Root canal treatment may be recommended when decay or a fracture has reached the nerve. It aims to keep the tooth rather than remove it. Understanding the steps helps explain the cost.
1. Planning
X-rays show the extent of the problem, any infection and the number and shape of the canals. At this stage your dentist can give you a written estimate.
2. Cleaning and medicating the canals
The canals are cleaned, shaped and medicated to remove infection. Back teeth usually have more canals than front teeth, so treatment usually takes longer and costs more.
3. Build-up
The tooth is rebuilt inside to support the final restoration.
4. Final restoration
Many back teeth need a crown to reduce the risk of fracture. Crown materials include ceramic, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal and gold, and your dentist will recommend one based on the tooth and your bite.
Alternatives and risks
The main alternative is extraction. Root canal treatment does not always succeed, and re-treatment or extraction may be needed later. Complex cases may be referred to a specialist endodontist.
Read about what happens in root canal therapy and what affects root canal costs.
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- Root Canal Cost: What Affects the Price
- Root Canal Treatment Cost in North Ryde: What Affects the Fee
- What Happens in Root Canal Therapy?
This article is general information only and does not replace advice from your own dentist. Whether a treatment is suitable for you can only be decided after an examination. All dental treatment carries risks, and results vary from person to person. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.