Root canal treatment is a procedure to retain a tooth which may otherwise require an extraction.
Although root canal treatment has a high degree of success, it is a biological procedure, so it cannot be guaranteed to be 100% successful.
In cases where the treatment has not been successful (ie the infection has not resolved), the tooth may require an extraction, re-treatment or surgery (remedial work is not included in the cost).
Instead of root canal treatment, an alternative treatment option is an extraction (removal of the tooth) or to monitor the tooth and extract when problematic.
We are obliged to make you aware of possible unforeseen complications that may occur during/after treatment:
- Occasionally (in approximately 5% of cases), after treatment, one may experience severe pain and facial swelling. In this case, your dentist or the endodontist should be contacted and advice will be given.
- Several x-rays will be taken during treatment, it can vary from 2-5.
- Fine instruments are used to carry out root canal treatment. Very rarely can these instruments fracture within the root canal. It may not always be possible to remove the fractured fragment; in most cases this will not affect the prognosis of the treatment or cause any problems to one’s health. However, in some instances (very rarely), such an occurrence can cause failure of the root canal. If this should happen, your endodontist will inform you.
- When providing root canal treatment through an existing crown, then there is a risk that the porcelain of the crown may fracture. In this case, you will require a new crown (this is not included in the cost of root canal treatment). If a crack or extensive decay is evident under your crown, then the treatment plan is likely to be changed and the tooth may need to be extracted.
- The tooth may fracture between appointments; sometimes it may fracture in such a way that will make the tooth unsalvageable, the treatment will not be continued, and your tooth will need to be removed (extracted).
- There is a possibility that the root canals in your tooth are blocked or that there is an extensive crack in the tooth. If this is evident once treatment begins, then you will be notified, and the root canal treatment will not be continued. An extraction will be the only option.
- If you have gum disease around the tooth that needs to be root treated. The prognosis is unpredictable and therefore the treatment cannot be guaranteed.
- During treatment, if it is evident that root canal treatment cannot be carried out (due to presence of an extensive crack/decay or the canal/s are blocked), then the tooth will be temporised and it will require removal by your own dentist. Please be aware that there is a charge for the time spent and materials used to attempt to do the root canal treatment. The charge is £400.
A crown is recommended after root canal treatment to prevent fracture of the tooth (and possible loss of the tooth as a result). You will be referred back to your own dentist for the provision of this. The cost of this should be discussed with your own dentist.
An estimate for the treatment has been provided, however, if unforeseen complications occur which would result in further treatment, then you will be informed if extra charges apply.
