Patient Information › FAQ's
1. Will the procedure be painful? – Every measure will be taken to ensure that the procedure is in no way painful or uncomfortable. At the start of the procedure, local anaesthetic will be administered which will numb the required area. This numbness will last for a period of 2-3hrs.
2. How long will the procedure take? - This will depend on a number of factors – most important being the number of roots and the size and curvature of them. It will be more complex if the tooth has a restoration with pins or post or has a crown. It will be more time consuming to retreat a tooth that already has been root filled, as first of all the previous root filling has to be removed. I will be able to give you an indication of the time required at consultation; but usually a procedure can take upto 2 – 3hrs in one or two visits.
3. Will it hurt after the procedure? – It is likely that you might experience some amount of discomfort or pain due to the procedures carried out. If you had pain before the procedure, it is likely that you will have some residual discomfort. I would recommend that you take regular analgesics/anti-inflammatory medications for a period of at least 2-3days.
4. What should I do if the tooth continues to be very painful after treatment? – If the intensity of pain continues or you feel that the pain is increasing, you will need to contact me for appropriate advice. I will need to see you to examine you and to prescribe the appropriate treatment/medications.
5. What happens after treatment in complete? – I will inform you of the completion of treatment and will write to your dentist advising him/her of the same. I will also recommend that a permanent restoration is placed as soon as possible to prevent any contamination of the root canal treatment.
6. What is the success rate? – Root canal treatments have a high level of success. However as with all biological procedures, it is difficult to guarantee success. Even with the best treatment, healing may not occur due to reasons beyond the control of the clinician. For teeth that are dying but without any overt infection, a properly done root canal treatment provides a high level of success. However in an infected tooth or with retreatment, the success rate although high is lower than the previous scenario.
7. What happens if it doesn't succeed? – If treatment does not succeed as can be established either due to symptoms recurring or clinical or x-ray evidence of disease, then further steps needs to be taken to control the infection. This may mean repeating the root canal treatment, surgical procedures or if the tooth is beyond redemption, then to consider extraction.
8. Why are the treatment costs high? – Your endodontic treatment is a complex procedure that requires a significant amount of time, the use of specialised equipment and materials and is carried out by a specialist of the highest calibre. Although the cost might seem high, it is very reasonable in comparison to most other nearby cities. You will be provided a detailed report outlining the procedure and the associated fees, after the consultation.