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Root Canal Treatment
Many patients feel anxious when they hear the words "root canal". At our clinic, we understand this and take the time to explain each step, make you comfortable, and ensure that the treatment is as painless as possible. Modern root canal therapy is safe, effective, and performed under local anesthesia so that you remain at ease throughout.
A root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is needed when the inside of the
tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected, usually due to deep decay, repeated dental
work, or trauma. The aim of the treatment is to save your natural tooth by removing
bacteria and infected tissue, disinfecting the canals, and sealing them carefully.
Having your treatment performed by an endodontist (root canal specialist) offers important
advantages:
• High level of skill and experience in treating complex cases.
• Magnification with a dental microscope, allowing precise cleaning and treatment of even
the smallest canals.
• Accurate documentation of your case, which can be shared with your general dentist.
• Use of the latest technologies and materials, ensuring the highest standards of safety and
long-term success.
This specialist approach increases the chance of saving your tooth and minimizes
complications.
• Your tooth and the surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia.
• A protective sheet (rubber dam) is placed to keep the tooth clean and dry.
• The infected tissue is removed, and the canals are cleaned and shaped.
• The canals are then disinfected and filled.
• Depending on the situation, one or more appointments may be needed.
• After treatment, the tooth will usually require a permanent filling or a crown to restore full
strength.
If you have been referred to our clinic, you may first receive an intake appointment. This is
not always necessary, but it can be important when:
• information from your dentist is missing,
• you suffer from dental anxiety,
• or the case is complex.
During the intake, we review your medical history, assess your general health, and examine
the tooth carefully. This appointment usually lasts 30–40 minutes and ensures that your
treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs.
It is normal to experience mild discomfort or tenderness for a few days after the procedure.
This can usually be managed with regular pain relief medication and will gradually subside.
Although root canal treatment has a high success rate, as with any medical procedure,
complications may occur:
• Post-treatment pain or swelling.
• Infection that may require additional treatment.
• Breakage of small instruments inside the canal.
• Hidden or curved canals that are difficult to clean fully.
• Fracture of the tooth if it is not restored properly afterwards.
• In rare cases, the tooth cannot be saved and may need to be removed.
• Relief from pain and infection.
• Preservation of your natural tooth.
• Restoration of chewing function and a healthy smile.
• A higher chance of long-term success when performed by an endodontic specialist.
Many patients feel anxious when they hear the words "root canal". At our clinic, we understand this and take the time to explain each step, make you comfortable, and ensure that the treatment is as painless as possible. Modern root canal therapy is safe, effective, and performed under local anesthesia so that you remain at ease throughout.
A root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is needed when the inside of the
tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected, usually due to deep decay, repeated dental
work, or trauma. The aim of the treatment is to save your natural tooth by removing
bacteria and infected tissue, disinfecting the canals, and sealing them carefully.
Having your treatment performed by an endodontist (root canal specialist) offers important
advantages:
• High level of skill and experience in treating complex cases.
• Magnification with a dental microscope, allowing precise cleaning and treatment of even
the smallest canals.
• Accurate documentation of your case, which can be shared with your general dentist.
• Use of the latest technologies and materials, ensuring the highest standards of safety and
long-term success.
This specialist approach increases the chance of saving your tooth and minimizes
complications.
• Your tooth and the surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia.
• A protective sheet (rubber dam) is placed to keep the tooth clean and dry.
• The infected tissue is removed, and the canals are cleaned and shaped.
• The canals are then disinfected and filled.
• Depending on the situation, one or more appointments may be needed.
• After treatment, the tooth will usually require a permanent filling or a crown to restore full
strength.
If you have been referred to our clinic, you may first receive an intake appointment. This is
not always necessary, but it can be important when:
• information from your dentist is missing,
• you suffer from dental anxiety,
• or the case is complex.
During the intake, we review your medical history, assess your general health, and examine
the tooth carefully. This appointment usually lasts 30–40 minutes and ensures that your
treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs.
It is normal to experience mild discomfort or tenderness for a few days after the procedure.
This can usually be managed with regular pain relief medication and will gradually subside.
Although root canal treatment has a high success rate, as with any medical procedure,
complications may occur:
• Post-treatment pain or swelling.
• Infection that may require additional treatment.
• Breakage of small instruments inside the canal.
• Hidden or curved canals that are difficult to clean fully.
• Fracture of the tooth if it is not restored properly afterwards.
• In rare cases, the tooth cannot be saved and may need to be removed.
• Relief from pain and infection.
• Preservation of your natural tooth.
• Restoration of chewing function and a healthy smile.
• A higher chance of long-term success when performed by an endodontic specialist.
Root Canal vs Re-root Canal
Comparison
A repeat (re-do) root canal usually doesn’t work quite as well as the first one because the tooth has already been treated once and is more difficult to fix the second time.
Why that matters:
Bacteria are harder to remove
After a failed root canal, germs can hide deeper inside the tooth in tiny spaces that are very hard to clean again.
The inside of the tooth isn’t the same anymore
The first treatment can change the shape of the canals or leave small areas that are hard to reach during a re-do.
The tooth is weaker
Each treatment removes a bit more tooth structure, so the tooth is more fragile and more likely to crack.
Infection may have been there longer
Long-standing infections don’t always heal as easily, even after treatment.
Treatment Through a Crown
What If I Already Have a Crown?
Absolutely - yes.
Many patients wonder: “I have a crown. Can you still perform a root canal treatment through the crown?”
The answer is usually yes. In most cases, the root canal treatment can be carried out through a small opening in the existing crown, without needing to remove or replace it.
During the treatment, we create a precise opening in the crown, just large enough to access the underlying tooth and the root canals. After the treatment, this opening is securely sealed with a filling material. This allows the crown to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Although most crowns can stay in place, there are cases where:
the crown is already leaking or damaged,
decay has developed underneath the crown,
or the crown does not provide a proper fit anymore.
In those situations, replacing the crown may be advised to ensure a long-lasting, healthy result. We will always discuss this with you beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
Usually, treating a tooth through the crown does not add significant cost. Replacement of a crown is only recommended if clinically necessary.
As with all treatments, costs follow the official NZa tariffs, which vary each year and can be found on the website of the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa).
A crown strengthens the outside of a tooth, but it does not protect the inside. If the nerve becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal treatment is still needed to relieve symptoms and save the tooth.
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