Services / Dental Implants
When do I need a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is an option for when the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth gets infected. This infection can be caused by deep decay, cracks on the tooth or traumatic injury to the tooth. This infection is eliminated via either a root canal treatment or complete removal of the tooth. If you wish to keep your infected tooth, root canal treatment is the first-line treatment we employ.
Implant FAQ
What is the success rate of root canal treatments?
Root canal treatments, while a proven option with extensive evidence, certainly do not have a 100% success rate. It can range from 85% to as low as less than 50% depending on varying factors like how long the infection has been present, the type of bacterial infection, the exact shape of the root canals. If root canal treatment proves to be unsuccessful, the tooth will need to be extracted.
Will it be painful during the root canal treatment?
Many patients have heard horror stories about how painful root canal treatments are. On the contrary, many times, the nerves of the infected tooth are already dead, so you will not feel anything during the root canal treatment. Some patients find the clamp and rubber, which the dentist uses during treatment to keep the tooth completely aseptic, uncomfortable, which is why we usually numb you for the procedure. Once the root canal treatment gets completed, you should feel great relief from the initial pain. Many of our patients are very grateful and appreciative to have their pain alleviated and also to be able to retain their own teeth instead of extracting them.
Do I really need a crown after root canal treatment?
Most teeth that needed root canal treatments have been extensively broken down and are at high risk for catastrophic fracture. These are teeth that are no longer structurally sound and once the internal infection gets removed, they should receive protective support so that they can continue providing many more years of service. Some patients do choose to space out the treatment, having the crown done the following calendar year. This is a possible option, however, patients need to be extra mindful while eating because other than having thinner walls, a root canal treated tooth will have less sensation and have higher risk of fracturing without proper support.
Is it better to have a root canal treatment or an extraction?
We always prefer to keep our natural teeth whenever possible and root canal treatments allow us to do just that. Sometimes when the tooth is extensively cracked beyond salvage, or if the tooth bone foundation support is not good, we have no choice but to extract it. But in general, root canal treatments allow us to utilise the teeth for many more years. With extraction, we always need to consider how we are going to replace the tooth: Removable denture? Fixed bridge? Dental implant? Surgery? Comfort? Cost? We need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. At High Road Dental, we bring you through carefully considered options so that we would be able to make the best possible treatment decision together.
