Root canal treatment – What do you need to know?

Root canal treatment

When a tooth's nerve is dead or inflamed, it is often necessary to perform a root canal. The nerve is removed using special instruments and replaced with a different material to preserve the tooth. If the tooth's nerve is dead, irritated, or inflamed, a root canal is usually the best treatment option to save the tooth. Inflammation in the tooth's nerve can be caused by deep cavities, large fillings, crown treatments, or cracks that lead to a bacterial infection in the tooth's root.

Without treatment, bacteria can spread to the tip of the tooth root, leading to inflammation in the jawbone. In some cases, this inflammation may become visible as a "pimple" on the gums. The condition can be very painful until the nerve dies but typically doesn't hurt again until more severe inflammation occurs in the jawbone. This issue can often be detected during an annual check-up with your dentist or dental hygienist.

Solution and treatment

• A root canal treatment at Blid always costs 4995 NOK. This price includes all materials, X-rays, anesthesia, and a temporary filling. You'll never pay more, even if multiple canals need to be treated, as the full extent of treatment is often not known until the procedure begins. We want to ensure you're confident in knowing the total cost of your treatment.
• In some cases, a crown may be necessary on top of the tooth, costing an additional 3995 NOK. In most cases, a regular filling on top of the tooth is enough, and this costs 1395 NOK.

Before starting the treatment, you'll always receive a cost estimate, along with information on whether you will need a crown, filling, or other procedures.

Procedure

• The dentist uses a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it isolated from the bacteria in the mouth.
• The canals in the root are cleaned to ensure that all infection is removed.
• Once this is done, a filling material is used to replace the nerve inside the tooth. This process is known as a root canal treatment.
• The treatment can be completed in one visit, but sometimes it requires two or more appointments. In complex cases, the dentist may need multiple visits to ensure a thorough result. During the first visit, the inflamed tissue is removed, and an anti-inflammatory medication is placed in the tooth for 2-3 weeks. Once the tooth is pain-free, the dentist will complete a permanent root filling to replace the nerve.
• After the tooth is fully treated, a temporary filling is placed on top to seal it from bacteria. Once the tooth is symptom-free, it will be restored to its natural shape using composite or porcelain, or by placing a crown.

If you experience sudden severe tooth pain, we recommend booking an appointment for an examination or emergency visit. During an emergency consultation, we can diagnose the issue and plan further treatment. We can also provide immediate pain-relief treatment during the emergency visit.