Consent for Root Canal Treatment

You have been told that you need root canal treatment. Its purpose is to save a tooth instead of removing it. Treatment removes the source of infection from inside the tooth, and the body then usually heals the tissue around the root. If healing does not happen, the infection can continue, and surgery at the tip of the root or removal of the tooth may be needed.

Treatment may take more than one visit, and keeping each appointment matters, because delays can let infection return. Afterwards the tooth needs a permanent restoration, often a crown, from us or your regular dentist.

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, but as with any treatment, success for any length of time cannot be guaranteed. A treated tooth may later need retreatment, root-end surgery or removal. Teeth that need retreatment have a lower success rate.

Possible complications include:

• chipping or breakage of porcelain on an existing crown or bridge;
• rarely, a fine instrument breaking inside the canal, or a small hole through the side of the root, which may need surgery or lead to the tooth being removed;
• rarely, the root splitting while the canal is being filled, which means the tooth must be removed;
• discomfort for a few hours to a few days, for which medication may be prescribed;
• swelling of the gum near the tooth, or of the face;
• a stiff jaw or limited opening;
• fracture of the root or crown of the tooth;
• filling material passing slightly beyond the tip of the root; and
• rarely, nerve injury from the freezing injection, causing tingling or numbness that is usually temporary but can be permanent.

Alternatives include no treatment, waiting to see whether symptoms develop further, or removing the tooth. These carry their own risks, including pain, infection, swelling, tooth loss and infection spreading to other areas.