Root Canal Treatment
Saving Your Natural Teeth with Care and Expertise
When it comes to dental care, few procedures are as misunderstood—and as important—as Root Canal Treatment. Root Canal Treatment is one of the most effective ways to save a natural tooth that has been compromised by infection or trauma. With proper diagnosis, planning, and treatment, root canals can relieve pain, stop infection, and preserve your smile for many years to come.
Why Saving Teeth Matters
There is no true substitute for a natural tooth. Even with advances in implant dentistry and prosthodontics, your own tooth—when possible to save—is often still the best option.
With Root Canal Treatment, we can remove the infected pulp inside your tooth, clean and seal the inner chamber, and then restore the tooth with a crown. The result is a healthy, functional tooth that looks and feels just like the rest of your smile.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, Endodontics is more than a procedure—it’s a philosophy. We believe in saving teeth, and Root Canal Treatment is at the heart of that mission.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Every tooth has a space inside called the pulp chamber, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This pulp extends down the root canals, the narrow passages within each root of the tooth.
When the pulp becomes infected—due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, trauma, or repeated dental procedures—the infection can spread, causing severe pain, swelling, and eventual tooth loss if not treated.
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) involves:
2. Cleaning and shaping the root canals
3. Disinfecting the area thoroughly
4. Filling the canals with a biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha)
5. Sealing the tooth to prevent re-infection
6. Restoring the tooth with a crown or filling for full function
Every Tooth Is Different: Understanding Root Anatomy
One of the key factors in Root Canal Treatment is recognizing that not all teeth are created equal. Each tooth type has a different number of canals:
• Premolars may have 1 or 2 canals
• Molars can have 3 to 4 canals, and sometimes more
Molars, with their complex root anatomy and multiple canals, often require more time, expertise, and precision to treat. The cost of a root canal treatment would depend on the complexity and the number of roots. The more roots, more time will be needed and more number of visits required.
A Manual and Meticulous Procedure
Root Canal Treatment is a delicate, highly technical, and manual process. It involves using tiny instruments to navigate narrow and curved canals, remove infected tissue, and seal the space thoroughly.
Depending on the complexity of the tooth, RCT may require:
• Multiple Visits: Teeth with multiple canals, existing infections, abscesses, or difficult anatomy may require 2 to 3 visits to ensure complete cleaning and disinfection before sealing the tooth.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we always assess each case individually and explain your treatment plan clearly—including the number of expected visits—so you know what to expect every step of the way.
When Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
You might need a root canal if you are experiencing:
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth
• A darkening or discoloration of the tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gums (sign of an abscess)
• Sensitivity to pressure when chewing
• Previous trauma to the tooth
But sometimes, there are no symptoms, and the need for root canal is only discovered through digital X-rays or Cone Beam CT scans, which we routinely perform in our clinics.
The Role of Honesty in Our Practice
We know that a root canal is a significant decision. That’s why honesty and transparency are core values at Affinity Dental Clinics.
We will always tell you if a tooth is no longer worth saving with a root canal. In cases of extreme structural damage, root fractures, or persistent infection despite previous treatment, we will recommend extraction and discuss your alternatives—whether it’s an implant, bridge, or denture.
Our goal is not just to do a procedure—but to provide the right treatment that gives you the best long-term results for your health, function, and comfort.
State-of-the-Art Technology for Better Outcomes
Root Canal Treatment has come a long way. Thanks to modern dental technology, what was once a dreaded procedure is now routine, comfortable, and highly successful.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we use:
Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
We understand that dental anxiety is real. If you’re nervous about undergoing a root canal, we offer Conscious Sedation—administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
This form of conscious sedation keeps you awake but deeply relaxed throughout the procedure. Many patients say they feel like they’ve “slept through it,” and recovery is quick and smooth.
If you’re someone who fears dental treatment, this may be an excellent option to help you complete your root canal with confidence and peace of mind.
What happens after Root Canal Treatment?
After your RCT, the tooth will be temporarily sealed until it is restored with a permanent crown or filling. The crown is especially important for back teeth (molars), which endure heavy chewing forces.
A well-done root canal followed by a good restoration can last many years or even a lifetime, especially with proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we also invest in Airflow machines that gently clean implants, restorations, and teeth using fine powders and warm water—ideal for keeping your root canal-treated tooth in great condition.
What’s the Prognosis of a Root Canal?
With proper technique, sterilization, and restoration, root canal treatment has a success rate of over 90%. However, like all medical procedures, results depend on:
• Whether it’s the first treatment or a Retreatment
• The skill and experience of the dentist
• The patient’s adherence to aftercare and follow-up
In rare cases, a previously treated tooth may become reinfected. If this happens, a procedure called root canal Retreatment or an apicoectomy may be needed.
Our dentists will guide you through your options clearly and honestly, every step of the way.
Root Canal vs. Extraction: Making the Right Choice
While extraction might seem quicker or cheaper, it often leads to:
• Bone loss at the site
• Need for prosthetic replacements (implants, bridges, or dentures)
Root Canal Treatment, when possible, lets you keep your natural tooth, maintain jawbone health, and avoid future complications. That’s why at Affinity Dental Clinics, we recommend extraction only as a last resort—never the first option.
FAQs on Root Canal Treatment
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the canals, and seals the space to prevent reinfection. It helps save a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Pimple-like bump on the gums (abscess)
Only a dentist can confirm the need for a root canal through examination and digital imaging.
Is root canal treatment painful?
With modern techniques and anesthesia, the procedure is generally no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling. Most patients feel relief from pain once the infected pulp is removed.
How many visits does a root canal require?
Some cases can be completed in a single visit, especially for straightforward infections. More complex cases, especially those with severe infections or previously treated canals, may require two or more visits to ensure complete disinfection and healing.
What happens after a root canal?
After the root canal, the tooth is typically sealed with a permanent filling or a crown to restore its strength and function. Your dentist will advise the best option based on the tooth’s condition.
Is it better to extract the tooth instead of having a root canal?
Saving your natural tooth is always preferred. Root canal treatment preserves your bite, natural chewing function, and jawbone integrity. Tooth extraction may lead to shifting of nearby teeth and require additional restorations like implants or bridges.
What is the success rate of root canal treatments?
When properly performed and maintained, root canal treatments have a high success rate—often above 90%. Proper oral hygiene and routine dental checkups are essential to long-term success.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
In most cases—especially for molars and premolars—a crown is recommended to protect the tooth from fracture. Front teeth may only need a filling, depending on their condition.
How long will a tooth treated with a root canal last?
With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last for many years—often for the rest of your life. Regular dental visits and cleanings help ensure longevity.
What is the cost of a root canal treatment in the Philippines?
Costs vary depending on the tooth (front vs. molar), the complexity of the case, and any required restorations like crowns. At Affinity Dental Clinics, we provide transparent estimates and phased treatment options after your consultation.
Can a tooth that already had a root canal be treated again?
Yes. This is called Root Canal Retreatment, which is done when the previous treatment failed or if the infection returns. Affinity Dental Clinics offers retreatment options using advanced imaging and disinfection protocols.
Is sedation available for anxious patients?
Yes. For patients with dental anxiety or for complex cases, Twilight Sedation can be offered and administered by our board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure.
Can children undergo root canal treatment?
Yes, in selected cases. However, treatment approaches for primary (baby) teeth differ from those for permanent teeth. Our pediatric dentists will determine the best course of action for children.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been told you need a root canal—or think you might—schedule an appointment with Affinity Dental Clinics today. Our team will evaluate your tooth, explain all your options, and help you make an informed decision.
Visit us in Makati, BGC, Ortigas, Alabang, Parañaque, or Cebu
Book an appointment online or through your preferred branch things.
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