Frequently asked questions

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?

Most endodontic treatment is carried out to deal with pain resulting from an inflammation or infection of the tooth’s pulp. Using modern techniques and local anesthesia it is possible to treat patients without any discomfort. After treatment, the tooth may feel a little sore for a few days, especially when there had been pain or an infection previously. This can be controlled with light pain-killers or an appropriate homeopathic medication. We will give you specific advices and prescriptions as needed.

Will further treatment be necessary?

Because endodontically treated teeth often suffer extensive loss of hard tooth structure, they are more likely to fracture compared to healthy teeth. In these cases they should be protected by a crown, a partial crown or veneer  to restore stability, function and appearance.

If very little tooth structure is left, it might be necessary to place a post and core into the tooth to create enough retention for the final restoration  .

Life Expectancy – How long will endodontically treated teeth last?

Perfectly endodontically treated teeth can last a lifetime, assuming correct restorative care, healthy gums and periodic check-ups at the dentist.

Costs – What will the treatment cost?

The costs depend on the difficulty and the amount of time needed for the treatment. Usually a detailed estimate is provided before each procedure so patients know exactly what the costs will be. I usually cannot apply the rates set by social insurance companies, in order to offer very complex and difficult high-end quality treatment . Working exclusively on a private basis allows me to offer patients the best possible care.

Alternatives – What are the alternatives to endodontic retreatment?

The only alternatives are a surgical procedure or extraction of your tooth. The lost tooth must be replaced by a fixed or removable denture or an implant to restore appearance and the ability to chew. This will also stop the movement of the remaining teeth.

Nothing can replace your own tooth, no matter how good the replacement looks!

Can a diseased tooth give rise to illness in parts of the body (the focal infection theory)?

It has sometimes been claimed that endodontically treated teeth can become the source of bacteria or bacterial toxins that can spread and cause disease in other parts of the body, like the heart or lhe joints. However, endodontic treatment is designed to clean and prepare the entire canal system fully, before it is sealed. There is no scientific evidence that properly endodontically treated teeth are a source of disease. However, partially cleaned and filled root-canals can be a problem, as the pathogenic germs they contain are able to affect the wider organism, which is why the modern techniques described here are so effective.
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