A root canal is a treatment that becomes necessary when the pulp (the tooth nerve) becomes infected. This usually occurs as a result of deep cavities that have reached the nerve, or a fracture in the tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread and lead to severe pain and dental abscess.
How do I know I need a root canal?
There are several symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal. If you experience one or more of the following, you should see a dentist:
- Severe, throbbing pain in a tooth
- Pain when consuming hot or cold food/drinks that persists after the stimulus is removed
- A loose tooth that feels tender to the touch
- Swelling in the gums, possibly with pus
The dentist will take an x-ray and perform tests to confirm whether the nerve is damaged and whether a root canal is necessary.
Root canal vs extraction
When the tooth nerve is damaged, you essentially have two options: root canal treatment or extraction of the tooth. In most cases, we recommend root canal treatment because it allows you to keep your natural tooth. A natural tooth functions better than an implant or a bridge, and it is usually cheaper to preserve the tooth than to replace it later.
Extraction may be appropriate if the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be restored, or if there is insufficient bone around the tooth. The dentist will provide a recommendation based on your specific situation.
Root canal price
The price of a root canal depends on which tooth needs treatment and the number of canals the tooth has:
- Root canal 1 canal: 4,000,-
- Root canal 2 canals: 4,700,-
- Root canal large molar: 6,200,-
After a root canal, it is often recommended to place a crown on the tooth to protect it against fracture. A crown plus root canal costs between 10,000 and 12,000 kroner in total.
Pain after root canal
It is completely normal to experience some tenderness and discomfort for 2-3 days after a root canal. The tooth has undergone a procedure, and the tissue around the tooth needs time to heal. Common painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will usually provide good relief.
If the pain persists beyond 2-3 days, it may be because the filling is too high and creates too much pressure when chewing. Contact the dentist so the filling can be adjusted. In rare cases, persistent pain may be due to remaining bacteria in the root canal that require further treatment.
Infection in root canal treated tooth
Root canal treatment has a success rate of 88-98%, which means the vast majority of root canal treated teeth function without problems for many years. In some cases, however, an infection can develop in a root canal treated tooth. This may be caused by:
- Missed canals that were not cleaned during the procedure
- A new cavity in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter
- A cracked tooth or root
Symptoms of infection in a root canal treated tooth include pain when chewing, swelling, and tenderness around the tooth. See a dentist if you experience such symptoms — in many cases the tooth can be retreated.
How long does a root canal last?
Statistics show that 9 out of 10 root canal treated teeth survive for at least 10 years. With good oral hygiene and a crown on the tooth, a root canal treated tooth can last a lifetime. The crown protects the tooth against fracture and significantly extends its lifespan. Without a crown, the risk of the tooth cracking is higher, especially for molars that are subjected to significant chewing forces.
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canal treatment is always performed with local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure itself. Many patients are surprised at how pain-free the procedure is. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some tenderness for 2-3 days, but this is easily managed with common painkillers.
If you are afraid of the dentist or dread the treatment (dental anxiety), do not hesitate to let us know. We take the time to explain each step and ensure you are comfortable throughout the entire treatment.
View infographic — Root canal treatment
