Unbiased oral health information

Procedures

Endodontic treatment

Consumer information

Endodontic treatment
Relative cost of procedure ($ - $$$$$)
Relative cost of procedure ($-$$$$$)
$$$$-$$$$$ (Depends on number of canals, front teeth usually have only one, molars may have four or more.)
Time commitment (average)
Time commitment (average)
1 to 2 visits; 1 to 2 hours + 0 to 2 hours. Varies depending on tooth type and infection status.
Temporary discomfort potential
Temporary discomfort potential
Generally, root canal treatment relieves existing pain; however, temporary post-operative pain from instrumenting the tooth is common.
Cosmetic results (how it looks)
Cosmetic results (how it looks)
Not applicable
Wear properties
Wear properties
Not applicable
Irreversible pulpitis/infection potential
Irreversible pulpitis/infection potential
Generally, root canal treatment is performed to help eliminate the cause of an existing infection; however, in some patients, a post-operative infection may occur.
Fracture resistance
Fracture resistance
Drilling into teeth which are already compromised to perform endodontic treatment increases chance of fractures, especially in back teeth.
Tooth reduction (amount required)
Tooth reduction (amount required)
Not applicable (a hole is usually made through the biting surface or side of the tooth into the root canal)
Corrosion, metal sensitivity/allergy potential
Corrosion, metal sensitivity/allergy potential
Not applicable
Soft tissue irritation potential
Soft tissue irritation potential
Average to above average—mainly depends on how rubber dam clip must be attached to tooth.