A root canal is needed when bacteria reach the tooth's pulp – usually through deep decay, a crack or trauma. The pulp becomes inflamed or dies, which often causes strong, throbbing pain, sensitivity to cold and heat, or a swelling (abscess). The aim of the treatment is to eliminate the infection and keep the tooth functional.
The procedure: after local anaesthesia, the tooth is isolated dry and germ-free with a rubber dam. The dentist opens the tooth, removes the diseased tissue and shapes the fine root canals with thin files. The canals are flushed intensively (usually with sodium hypochlorite) and disinfected. Finally they are sealed tightly with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha). Depending on the case this happens in one or two sessions.
A session takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Front and canine teeth usually have only one canal and are treated more quickly, while molars have three or four canals and are more complex. The success rate is high at around 85 to 95 percent when the canals are cleanly prepared and tightly sealed.
As a guide (no guarantee), a root canal in Switzerland costs roughly CHF 700 to 1500 or more depending on the tooth and number of canals, plus a build-up and, in many cases, a crown. Basic insurance usually does not pay – unless the cause is an accident or a recognised illness under the KVG.
What to look out for: a root-treated tooth is more brittle and prone to fracture, especially with molars. A crown is therefore often recommended. The alternative would be extracting the tooth with a later implant or bridge – usually more expensive and with the loss of the natural tooth.