Treatment of canals (endodontics)

Endodontic treatment makes it possible to save your natural tooth even when the pulp is inflamed or infected. According to the American Association of Endodontists, modern root canal treatment is highly effective, and a treated tooth can function for a lifetime with proper care.

With accurate diagnosis and thorough canal cleaning, the success rate of modern endodontic treatment is 85-95%. Treatment is usually completed in 1-2 visits, depending on the complexity of the case (number of canals, presence of inflammation at the root tip, canal curvature). A single visit typically lasts 45-90 minutes.

Using optical magnification (a microscope) increases the precision of root canal treatment and reduces the risk of missing a canal, especially in molars, which may have 3-4 canals or more. After quality endodontic treatment and proper restoration of the crown, a tooth can function for decades.

The cost of treatment is determined individually and depends on the number of canals, the tooth’s anatomical features, and whether further restoration of the crown is needed.

Dental microscope

Using a surgical microscope allows the dentist to see the internal anatomy of the tooth with high magnification and quality lighting.

This is especially important for finding additional root canals (for example, a fourth canal in molars, which is often missed with the naked eye), locating obliterated (narrowed) canals, and detecting cracks in the tooth walls.

The microscope improves precision at every stage – from opening the pulp chamber to the final filling – and significantly reduces the risk of clinical error.

Electronic apex locator

An apex locator is a device that determines the exact length of a root canal by measuring the electrical resistance of the tissues, without the need for multiple check X-rays during canal preparation.

This allows the dentist to stop precisely at the physiological constriction (the apical constriction) without going past the root tip or leaving part of the canal untreated.

The result: less pain after treatment, a lower risk of pushing material past the root tip, and a shorter appointment.

Digital radiography

Digital X-rays (radiovisiography) provide an instant image on screen instead of waiting for film to develop, while reducing the patient’s radiation dose by 70-90% compared to traditional film X-rays.

Images can be enlarged, adjusted for contrast, and stored in the patient’s electronic chart to compare treatment results over time – before, during, and after the procedure.

Together, these three technologies form the standard for quality endodontic treatment: the microscope provides visual control, the apex locator ensures precise canal length, and digital radiography provides safe, clear monitoring at every stage.

Benefits of keeping your natural tooth

Keeping a natural tooth helps maintain proper bite alignment, distribute chewing load evenly, and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.

A natural tooth provides a natural feel when chewing, doesn’t require surgery, and with quality treatment and proper care can last for decades.

Aftercare recommendations

In the first few days after endodontic treatment, it’s best to avoid excessive strain on the treated tooth, maintain thorough oral hygiene, and follow the dentist’s instructions.

It’s important to restore the tooth with a permanent filling or crown in a timely manner and continue with preventive check-ups at least twice a year.

“It’s going to hurt a lot”

This is the most common fear, often based on outdated beliefs or experiences from many years ago. Modern anesthesia works quickly and effectively, and root canal treatment itself is performed on a numbed tooth – the patient feels only pressure, not pain. Ironically, root canal treatment eliminates the source of pain rather than creating a new one.

“The tooth will have to be removed anyway”

Many patients assume that once it comes to a “root canal,” the tooth is doomed. In reality, it’s the opposite: endodontic treatment is precisely the way to save a tooth and avoid extraction. Modern techniques can save even teeth with complex canal anatomy or long-standing inflammation.

“It’s going to be very expensive”

Cost is a real concern that sometimes leads patients to delay treatment until the problem worsens (and becomes more expensive to fix). It’s worth thinking of root canal treatment as an investment in keeping your natural tooth – in the long run, it’s usually more cost-effective than extraction followed by a prosthesis or implant.

“X-rays are harmful, especially if several are needed”

Patients often worry about radiation exposure, especially if multiple images are needed for monitoring. Digital radiography reduces radiation dose by 70-90% compared to traditional film, making several follow-up X-rays completely safe.

“The tooth will fail again soon after treatment anyway”

This concern often comes from stories of failed treatments in the past. With properly cleaned canals, a tight seal, and timely crown restoration, a tooth can last for decades.

“What if the dentist misses something (a canal, a crack)?”

Fear of human error is understandable. This is exactly what the dental microscope is for – it lets the dentist see the tooth’s anatomy magnified many times over and avoid leaving any part untreated.

“It will take a lot of time and visits”

Fear of a long, exhausting treatment keeps many people from seeing a dentist. In reality, most cases are resolved in 1-2 visits of 45-90 minutes each.

Is root canal treatment painful?

No, the procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and is painless. Mild discomfort or tooth sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off is normal and usually resolves within 1-3 days.

Is a crown required after root canal treatment?

Not always – it depends on how much tooth structure remains. If enough healthy walls are left, a quality filling may be sufficient. However, for back teeth (molars and premolars) with significant tissue loss, a crown or post-and-core buildup is recommended, as it protects the weakened tooth from chipping and cracking.

What should I do if my tooth turned dark after root canal treatment?

Tooth discoloration can occur if the pulp had already died before treatment, or if certain materials were used to fill the canals. In such cases, internal tooth whitening or a veneer/crown can help.

Can a tooth get infected again after root canal treatment?

In rare cases, reinfection can occur due to an incomplete seal, a crack in the root, or a missed additional canal. This is resolved with retreatment or, if necessary, surgical intervention.

Why does a tooth hurt after root canal treatment?

Mild pain when biting down, or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, is a normal tissue response to the mechanical treatment. If the pain increases, lasts more than a week, or is accompanied by swelling, you should see your dentist without delay.

How many visits are needed to treat one tooth?

Treatment is usually completed in 1-2 visits. The number of visits depends on the complexity of the canal anatomy and whether there is acute inflammation or a pus-filled focus that needs time to heal between appointments.

How long does a tooth last after root canal treatment?

With quality treatment and timely restoration of the crown portion (filling or crown), a tooth can function for decades, almost like a natural, living tooth.

Can root canals be treated during pregnancy?

Yes, endodontic treatment can be performed at any stage of pregnancy when urgently needed (severe pain, inflammation), since local anesthesia and digital X-rays with a protective apron are safe. The optimal period is the second trimester.

Modern endodontic treatment methods, advanced equipment, and specialized instruments used at DentalKnysh dental clinic, combined with our dentists’ expertise, allow us to treat pulp disease (the loose fibrous connective tissue inside the tooth) as effectively as possible.

At DentalKnysh dental clinic, canals are filled using calcium-based AH Plus Dentsply filling materials (Germany) and gutta-percha points.

The quality of root canal treatment determines the future not only of the tooth itself but also of the surrounding bone tissue, which is why we aim for a long-term result. We look forward to seeing you for a consultation at DentalKnysh dental clinic.

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