Root canal treatment is performed when there is an infection in the nerve. We remove the nerves and blood vessels, and the dentist fills the root canals with filling material and a temporary top filling. Root canal treatment is necessary to preserve the tooth and avoid tooth extraction and more serious complications.

Root canal treatment is a procedure performed after you have been examined and an infection in the tooth nerve has been diagnosed. At Blid, you pay the same amount regardless of which tooth needs to be treated. Root canal treatment is performed by a dentist and involves the removal of nerves and blood vessels (referred to as pulp in medical terminology) inside the tooth before the pulp is replaced with filling material. This treatment is essential to preserve the tooth and prevent extraction and more severe complications.

A root canal treatment includes:

• X-rays as needed
• Anesthesia as needed
• Filling material and sealing
• Temporary top filling
• Hygiene items

If the nerve of the tooth is dead, irritated, or infected, a root canal is necessary to preserve the tooth. This can be caused by cavities, deep fillings, or previous crown treatments. Without treatment, bacteria inside the tooth can spread to the root tip, leading to inflammation in the jawbone. If this inflammation becomes visible, a “pimple” (fistula) may appear on the gums. The condition can be painful, but is often asymptomatic, and may be discovered during an annual check-up with a dentist or dental hygienist.

The root canals are cleaned to ensure that all infection is gone. Once this is done, a filling material is used to replace the tissue that has been cleaned out; this is what is referred to as a root filling. The treatment can be completed in one visit, but sometimes it requires two or more visits, especially if it is a complicated case.

When the tooth is fully root-filled, a temporary filling is placed on top of the tooth to isolate it from bacteria. Additionally, the tooth must be rebuilt to its natural shape, either with a composite filling or a porcelain crown.