How long does root canal treatment take?

This will depend on how complex the treatment is. Teeth that have more roots or have had root canal treatment previously will take longer to treat.  Front teeth (incisors and canines) usually have 1 canal and back teeth (molars and premolars) have 2-4 canals. You can expect 1-3 visits lasting between 60-90 minutes for most teeth.  If there is a large filling or crown on the tooth this may need to be removed before starting the root canal treatment to ensure there is enough tooth structure remaining.

How long will the tooth last following root canal treatment?

5-10 years is typically quoted but with a proper restoration and care of your tooth it may last a lifetime after root canal treatment. In order to care for your teeth, you should brush thoroughly twice a day and clean between the teeth daily. It is important to be careful to limit your sugar intake to minimise the risk of decay. Finally, regular dental check-ups can detect problems at an early stage.

Does root canal treatment hurt?

With the use of modern techniques, root canal therapy typically involves little or no discomfort. Often there is pain before treatment and endodontic therapy provides relief. There may be a short period after the procedure that is uncomfortable and is managed with over the counter pain relief.

How much does root canal treatment cost?

The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on how severe the problem is and the type of tooth. A crown or large filling may need removing to assess the amount of tooth structure remaining prior to starting the treatment. Molars with 3-4 canals are more difficult to treat. Following root canal treatment, a tooth is weakened and may require a new or replacement crown incurring additional costs. This would all be discussed with you at the outset prior to starting treatment.

What are the alternatives?

The alternative to root canal treatment is extraction of the tooth. Loss of a tooth could create a functional problem such as chewing or an aesthetic problem. Restoring the lost tooth may involve the provision of a prosthetic replacement such as a denture, bridge or a dental implant.

Can all teeth be treated?

Occasionally a tooth cannot be saved. Root canal treatment can be performed only if the root canals are accessible and can be adequately cleaned and sealed. The tooth must also have sufficient bone support. Root canal treatment will only be suggested where a good long-term outlook can be expected.

Can root canal treatment fail?

Root canal treatment can be successful in up to 9 out of 10 cases. However, problems can occur if the tooth develops decay or the filling/crown on the tooth fails.  It is hard to predict which teeth will fail in the future, but the risk can be minimised with following your dentist’s advice and attending regular check-ups.

What is meant by re-treatment?

Teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as natural teeth, however, in some cases the treatment can fail, and symptoms can persist. This may happen shortly after the treatment has been performed or even years following the treatment. In these cases, it may be possible to carry out the treatment again, a procedure called endodontic retreatment.

Why does the treatment fail?

Root canal treatment can fail for a number of reasons. In order to treat a root canal infection we rely on disinfection solutions.  When this solution cannot reach all of the dead space within the tooth such as with narrow or curved canals the infection can persist. If the restoration on top of the root canal filling leaks this can re-infect the root canal. Sometimes infection has been present for such a long time that it is difficult to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Other problems can include microscopic cracks within the tooth.

Is retreatment more complicated than initial root canal treatment?

Retreatment is usually more complicated than initial root canal treatment as the material used to fill the canal has to be removed first.  Sometimes there are ledges and blockages that restrict access to the whole root canal. Restorations on top of the tooth may need to be removed prior to completing the root canal treatment. 

Who can carry out retreatment procedures?

All dentists can carry out endodontic treatment but many prefer not to carry out retreatment procedures as this can be more challenging and may require additional equipment that may not be readily available. Specialists have undergone further training in order to treat complicated root canal procedures.

Can antibiotics be used to treat root canal infection?

Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat a dental abscess in the short term.  They are not used to treat infection within the pulp space as the antibiotics do not effectively reach this area.  In the long term a tooth with an infection requires root canal treatment or extraction to eliminate the infection.