Microscopic Root Canal Treatment

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure in which the damaged or dead dental pulp (the nerves and blood vessels inside the root canal) is removed. The canal is then mechanically cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a durable, hermetically sealed material to prevent reinfection.

What Is Microscopic Root Canal Treatment?

Microscopic root canal treatment is the most modern form of endodontic therapy, performed under a specialized dental microscope. This advanced technique allows the dentist to see the internal structures of the tooth at high magnification, enabling extremely precise cleaning and treatment. By working under magnification, the dentist can identify and remove even the smallest remnants of infected tissue, preventing further inflammation and eliminating pain.

Thanks to this accuracy, microscopic root canal therapy makes it possible to save teeth that in the past would most likely have been extracted.

Advantages of Microscopic Root Canal Treatment Compared to Conventional Methods

• Greater precision and thoroughness – With up to 20–30x magnification, the dentist can clearly see root canals that would otherwise remain invisible, ensuring they are fully sealed for long-term success.
• Reduced risk of hidden infection – Due to the complex and curved anatomy of root canals, conventional treatment sometimes leaves behind infected tissue, which can lead to repeated infections or even tooth extraction. Microscopic treatment minimizes this risk.
• Improved diagnosis – Using a microscope, the dentist can more accurately assess the condition of the tooth, plan the treatment, and adapt each step to the patient’s specific needs.
• Less invasive – Because the dentist can see the tooth in detail, less healthy tissue needs to be removed. This increases the chance of preserving the tooth’s natural stability and function.
• Higher success rate and long-term results – Microscopic root canal treatment typically leads to better outcomes, as no infected areas are overlooked. Properly treated teeth can last for decades, or even a lifetime.
• Less pain and faster recovery – Although many patients still associate root canal treatment with discomfort, modern microscopic techniques are gentler, require fewer interventions, and often result in less pain during healing. Unlike traditional methods, repeat treatments are rarely necessary.

When Should You Choose Microscopic Root Canal Treatment?

While microscopic root canal treatment can improve outcomes in nearly every case, there are certain situations where this advanced technique is not just recommended but may be the only reliable option for long-term success.

1. Broken Instruments in the Canal

If a file or instrument has fractured inside the root canal, the dental microscope can assist in locating and removing it. Nowadays, modern, fracture-resistant instruments and efficient rotary systems are used to reduce this risk, but in rare cases, microscopic treatment offers the best chance of success.

2. Teeth with Complex Anatomy

Molars and teeth with narrow, curved, or C-shaped canals are particularly difficult to treat with conventional methods. Microscopic magnification makes it easier to clean and seal these canals effectively. It also increases the likelihood of detecting invisible side canals or extra canals, which often go unnoticed without magnification.

3. Detecting Cracks or Fractures

If there is suspicion of a tooth crack that is not visible to the naked eye, microscopic root canal treatment can help identify it. Cracks are one of the leading causes of failed endodontic treatments, so early detection is crucial.

4. Retreatment Cases

If a tooth remains symptomatic despite one or more conventional root canal treatments, microscopic therapy is highly recommended. In most such cases, the cause is residual infected tissue or an untreated canal. Microscopic treatment allows the dentist to thoroughly examine, clean, and retreat the tooth with much higher precision.

The Procedure of Microscopic Root Canal Treatment

1. X-Ray Examination

The first step is taking a dental X-ray, which is essential for making an accurate diagnosis and creating a personalized treatment plan.

2. Local Anesthesia

Microscopic root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that the procedure is completely pain-free. Apart from the brief discomfort of the injection, patients feel no pain during the treatment.

3. Isolation

Once the tooth is isolated with a rubber dam, the damaged part of the crown is removed while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

4. Accessing the Root Canals

The pulp chamber is opened, and the root canals are located and cleaned. Using special endodontic files, the dentist carefully removes infected tissue and debris until the entire canal length is free of contamination. An apex locator is used to measure the exact working length and ensure the instruments do not go beyond the root tip. The canals are then mechanically enlarged with rotary instruments to clean and shape the canal walls thoroughly.

5. Disinfection and Drying

The cleaned canals are disinfected with sodium hypochlorite solution and, if necessary, with ultrasound or laser technology to eliminate all bacteria and inflammation. Finally, sterile paper points are used to dry the canals completely.

6. Root Canal Filling

In many cases, a temporary filling is placed first, to confirm that the tooth becomes symptom-free after treatment. If all discomfort disappears, the final root canal filling is performed. A sealer material is applied to fill any gaps between the canal walls and the gutta-percha, which are biocompatible cones compressed into the canals. The ideal root filling extends precisely to the root tip and seals the canal perfectly.

7. Final Restoration

The treated tooth is restored with an inlay, onlay, or dental crown to ensure long-term durability. At our clinic, we also offer a modern solution: fiber-reinforced composite restoration, which in many cases can replace the need for a crown or inlay. This method preserves more of the natural tooth structure and avoids unnecessary grinding.

Cost of Microscopic Root Canal Treatment

As with any complex dental procedure, the cost of microscopic root canal treatment depends on several factors, including:

• Whether an old root canal filling or post needs to be removed
• The number of root canals that require treatment

If you are deciding between conventional root canal therapy and microscopic treatment, it is important to consider the following:

• The success rate of microscopic treatment is well above 90%, while conventional root canal therapy offers only around 40–60% success. This means that with traditional treatment, there is a high likelihood of needing retreatment in the future—making it a less cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Multiple retreatments often weaken the tooth further, and in many cases, the tooth may eventually need to be extracted.

For these reasons, although microscopic root canal therapy may initially appear to be a more expensive option, it should be seen as a long-term investment in your dental health. By significantly increasing the chances of saving the tooth for a lifetime, it ultimately proves to be the most cost-effective solution.

Book an Appointment

Root canal treatment today is no longer associated with unbearable pain. As our clinic’s name suggests, we are dedicated to providing completely pain-free care and ensuring our patients’ maximum comfort, so you never have to fear dental treatment again.Don’t postpone dealing with tooth pain—book a consultation today and take the first step towards saving your tooth and restoring your smile.