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Dentistas Málaga

Root canal treatment in Málaga: treatment guide and clinics

· General information: it does not replace seeing a dentist.

Root canal treatment in the province of Málaga

What a root canal treatment is

A root canal treatment (endodontics) cleans the inside of a tooth when the pulp, the tissue with nerves and blood vessels, is inflamed or infected, and then seals it. It allows you to keep the tooth instead of having it extracted.

When it is needed

When deep decay, a knock or a fracture reaches the pulp; when there is severe pain, or pain that lingers after cold or heat; or when there is an infection or an abscess. The dentist confirms it with an examination and X-rays.

How the treatment works

  1. Local anaesthetic.
  2. Opening the tooth to reach the pulp.
  3. Cleaning and disinfecting the root canals.
  4. Filling and sealing the canals.
  5. Rebuilding the tooth. For back teeth a crown is usually recommended too, because the tooth becomes more fragile.

It is done in one or more sessions, depending on the tooth and on whether there is an infection.

Does it hurt?

The treatment is done under local anaesthetic, and during it you usually feel mostly pressure. It is normal to have some discomfort for a few days afterwards; your dentist will tell you what to take.

Risks

  • The infection may not heal completely, and the treatment may need to be repeated (retreatment) or followed by minor surgery on the root.
  • If the tooth is not properly protected afterwards, it may fracture.
  • Some teeth have difficult canals; in those cases your dentist may refer you to an endodontist.

Alternatives

Extracting the tooth and, if you want to replace it, an implant, a bridge or a denture. Ask for the pros and cons of keeping or extracting the tooth in your case.

What to ask the clinic

  • What the outlook for the tooth is.
  • Whether your dentist or an endodontist will do the treatment.
  • Whether the quote includes rebuilding the tooth and, if needed, the crown.
  • How many sessions will be needed.
  • What to do if the pain continues after treatment.

What affects the price

The type of tooth (a front tooth has one canal; a molar has several), whether it is a first treatment or a retreatment, the techniques used and whether the quote includes rebuilding the tooth and the crown. As a treatment for health reasons, it is exempt from VAT.

Sources