TOOTH PRESERVATION · ENDODONTICS DÜSSELDORF
Toothache? Waiting rarely makes it better.
Root canal treatment removes the inflammation that hurts and lets us keep a tooth that would otherwise be extracted.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
The treatment itself usually does not — it is carried out under local anaesthetic. What hurts is usually the inflammation beforehand: the treatment removes exactly its cause. The inflamed tissue is removed from the root canals, the canals are cleaned, disinfected and sealed tightly. The tooth can be sensitive for a few days afterwards.
WHEN IT IS NEEDED
Signs you should take seriously.
- Persistent or throbbing toothache, especially at night
- Strong sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when chewing or biting down
- Swelling or a feeling of pressure in the gums
- A single tooth that darkens in colour
A tooth can be inflamed even without pain — incidental X-ray findings are common. When in doubt, call us.
THE PROCESS
Usually one to two appointments.
- 01Anaesthetic and isolating the tooth (rubber dam) — clean and safe.
- 02Removal of the inflamed tissue, mechanical preparation of the canals with electronic length measurement.
- 03Disinfection and a tight root filling.
- 04A stable build-up — for badly weakened teeth usually a crown or partial restoration for protection.
Cost: Statutory insurers cover the treatment under certain conditions; modern additional techniques can be a private service. We clarify this in advance, transparently and in writing.
Precision under magnification and a clear plan before we start — so you know exactly what to expect.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Root canal treatment — answered briefly.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and is usually painless. If the tooth is severely inflamed, the anaesthetic can be harder to take effect — this is well known and resolved with additional techniques. In the days afterwards the tooth is often sensitive to biting.
How high are the success rates?
With careful preparation and a tight seal, they are high. What matters most is complete preparation of the canal system and the stable restoration of the crown afterwards.
Why does the tooth need a crown afterwards?
A root-treated tooth is more brittle than a vital one. Without a stable restoration it fractures under chewing load, and then the entire treatment is lost. This restoration is part of the treatment, not an option.
What does insurance pay?
The basic treatment is a statutory benefit under certain conditions. Additional techniques that improve the success rate — such as more elaborate measurement methods or irrigation protocols — are often billed privately and shown in advance in the cost plan.
Is a root-treated tooth dead tissue in the body?
The tooth no longer has vital inner tissue, but remains connected to the bone via the periodontal ligament and is fully functional. A tightly sealed, inflammation-free tooth is considered worth preserving.
What if it comes back years later?
Then there are two routes: revision, meaning renewed preparation of the canal system, or apicoectomy (root-end surgery). Neither is a failure — both are a normal part of the treatment chain.
RELATED TREATMENTS
INFORMATION SHEETS TO PRINT
What to expect before and after treatment.
A4 documents in four languages. No sign-up, no email address.
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After a surgical procedure
Cooling, eating, care — and the warning signs.