Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-05
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Curious about root canal treatments? Discover if they’re really painful, potential aftereffects, and whether the costs will break the bank in Hong Kong – get the facts to smile confidently!
What is Root Canal Treatment and Its Purpose?
When you visit the dentist for tooth pain and the decay is severe, the doctor might say: “We can either save the tooth with root canal treatment or extract it.” So, what exactly is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic or pulp therapy, simply involves removing some or all of the infected or dead pulp tissue and then sealing the pulp chamber.
When Do You Need Root Canal? Is It Essential for Toothache?
Not every toothache requires root canal treatment. To decide if it’s needed, we first assess the nerve status of the tooth—whether it’s reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis, or necrosis. As the name suggests, reversible pulpitis means the tooth nerve can heal on its own; once the cause of inflammation is removed, the pulp inflammation improves naturally. Irreversible pulpitis, however, can’t recover by itself and requires root canal treatment to remove some or all of the infected or dead pulp tissue . Clinically, doctors determine the pulp status through symptoms and tests .
Teeth with irreversible pulpitis may show these symptoms:
- Tooth feels extremely sensitive to hot or cold stimuli
- Pain lingers for over 30 seconds after stimulus stops
- Toothache prevents sleep or wakes you up
- Chewing causes sensitivity or soreness
The dentist will examine the tooth, such as with hot/cold tests, gentle tapping, and X-rays to confirm if there’s an issue .
Worried About Pain in Root Canal Procedure?
Before starting root canal treatment, the doctor will inject local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. However, in rare cases, if the tooth’s inflammation is already severe, root canal might still cause significant pain—this is called a “Hot Tooth.” A “Hot Tooth” reduces the anesthetic’s effectiveness, possibly requiring additional anesthesia or even medication to control inflammation first.
Root Canal Procedure and Number of Visits Required
The tooth will first be anesthetized to ensure you feel no pain during the treatment. The doctor will use suitable tools to remove the decayed parts of the tooth, as well as the inflamed and infected pulp. Then, the root canal will be enlarged and flushed with medicated solution to clear out bacteria. Afterward, the doctor will use a resin material called Gutta-percha to seal the root, preventing saliva bacteria from the mouth from reaching the tooth and causing reinfection inside.
Generally speaking, the root canal procedure mentioned above takes one to three sessions, depending on the tooth’s inflammation level, the doctor’s experience, and other factors.
Is a Dental Crown Needed After Root Canal?
During the root canal process, the tooth gets weakened, so often a crown is needed to protect it from further damage or even cracking. A crown can also make the treated tooth look more natural in shape and color. However, there are cases where a crown isn’t necessary, like if the tooth has only mild decay or no opposing tooth for biting. Ultimately, your dentist will decide based on a clinical assessment.
Side Effects After Root Canal Treatment
While root canal treatments have a high success rate (about 80-90%), no procedure is 100% guaranteed, and results vary by person. A small number of patients may still experience pain, abscesses, or inflammation after treatment, with X-rays showing shadows around the tooth root. This often means the treatment has failed. Common causes include reinfection of the root canal or the tooth cracking.
If this happens, since redoing the root canal is more complex, cases are usually referred to an endodontist for specialized care.
Is Root Canal Treatment Expensive?
Market prices for root canal treatment (per tooth) range from HK$3,500 to HK$7,500, with clinic fees based on the tooth’s position and complexity. Additionally, if the tooth is severely decayed and lacks support, the doctor may need to place a post in that tooth to enhance its stability.
As for crown costs, they vary greatly by material, so you can choose based on your needs. Common options include all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and full metal, priced from HK$4,500 to HK$10,000.
Root Canal Treatment: Key Precautions
Before Root Canal Treatment
It is recommended that patients consult with their dentist before root canal treatment to understand the process and risks involved. Inform the doctor about any drug allergies and personal concerns so that the doctor can formulate a more effective treatment plan. Additionally, fees for root canal procedures vary between clinics, so to avoid unexpected situations and costs, patients should first conduct a detailed consultation with the clinic.
After Root Canal Treatment
The tooth’s resistance to fracture decreases (especially for cracked teeth), making it prone to cracking, which may lead to the need for extraction. It is recommended to avoid using the affected tooth to chew hard objects , and to get a dental crown made as needed in a timely manner. Additionally, after treatment, the body needs time to repair and adapt, and some patients may feel discomfort in the tooth in the short term, which usually subsides over time. If it becomes severe, you need to see a dentist for a check-up again.
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