Root Canal Treatment
Treatment for infection within the tooth

You can browse a list of clinics that provide root canal treatment here on RevaHealth.com. If you need any help deciding which clinic to choose, just ask us for help.

To prevent or reverse infection of badly damaged and decayed teeth, it may be necessary to carry out a root canal treatment. Though possessed of a fearsome reputation, the procedure is now well understood and produces excellent long lasting results with minimal discomfort.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Tiny canals in your tooth become infected and can cause quite severe pain. The purpose of a root canal is to save a badly infected tooth. If not performed extraction of the tooth is commonly required. The infected canals are cleared then filled. It is quite common for the tooth to require a crown or a filling.

You might need a root canal if one or more of your teeth have become infected and there is severe damage to the pulp of your tooth.

Things to look out for include:

• Although simple root canals can be performed by a general dentist, more complex root canals (such as those on your rear teeth) may require a specialised Endodontist.
• Commonly a root canal treatment will require a crown as well. Be aware of this potential additional cost
• Hugh advances in root canals have been made over the last decade,  so make sure your dentist is up to date

What is the procedure like?

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The tooth has small canals filled with what is known as pulp: these reach right down into its root. The tooth’s canals may become infected and the pulp within them is first removed in a procedure referred to as a pulpotomy. The canals are then temporarily filled with an alkaline paste and the tooth is left to settle during which time the paste thoroughly disinfects the tooth.

A second appointment about a week afterwards is necessary to complete the procedure. The pulpotomy should remove any discomfort related to infection within the tooth. In the follow up the temporary paste is removed. The canals are filled with an inert material and the tooth should be given a protective crown to protect the work. The procedure is spread over two or more dental visits.

What affects the price?

• The dentist selected
• If a specialized endodontic is required
• The position on of the tooth
• The type of crown required (if any)

Price Comparison

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. The follow table gives some indicative costs for root canals across the world:

Dentists in Spain
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Spain

Spain makes a compelling dental travel destination: The harmonisation of qualifications and equipment standards across Europe allows patients to compare treatments on a price basis while being assured of quality.

A large number of destinations are available from the less explored natural beauty of the north to the bustle of the southern resort towns. Spain's islands, including Tenerife, offer other enticing destinations for high quality dental care.

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

Benefits of travelling to Spain

Spain is one of the world's most mature tourism destinations. A large number of regional airports and a good system of internal transport links allow easy travel to all areas of this diverse country. Large numbers of visitors as well as a substantial expatriate community, particularly along the Costa del Sol, mean travellers enter a country well used to dealing with their needs. A lower cost base in rent and staff fees allow Spainish dentists to offer substantial savings for most dental procedures over their Northern European counterparts.

Dentists in Spain - Prices

The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in Spain. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your dentist directly.

*Exchange rates from 08/2007

Dentists in Spain - Qualifications

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Dental training lasts 5 years. Currently, 10 public and 4 private Colleges produce about 900 dental graduates each year. The quality of training and verification of degrees is overseen by the Ministry of Health.

There is no compulary requirement at present though a system of monitoring skills development and training is currently in development. Currently, many courses and degrees are available and a commitement to furthering of skills and updating of procedures is a central tenant of the Consejo General's code of practice for it's dentists (accounting for over 90% of dentist's in Spain).

Dentists from other EU nations may practice in Spain without any linguistic examination - allowing for instance English dentists to open practices catering to expat communities without having to master the Spanish language.

Dentists in Spain - Additional Information

Organizations

Consejo General de Colegios de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de España (Spanish Dental Association) has a membership accounting for over 90% of Spanish dentists. It maintains an up to date register of all dentists qualified to practice in Spain.

Dental Ethics

The Dental Association regulates its members and publishes a code of ethics. This emphaises the dentist's obligation to the health and welfare of their patients and their own commitment to continuing training and perfection of their skills.

Complaints

Initial complaints of an ordinary nature should be refered to the Regional Colegio or Municipal Consumer Offices. Etiher party may appeal decisions or progress to civil authorites if disputes are not resolved. Severe disiplinary decisions such as removal from the register of dentist were previously rare but recently a more hardline approach to serious incidents has lead to an increase in harsher punishments.

Data Protection

Patient records are protected by a number of statuets and are in line with EU legislation. A dedicated agency, the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD), oversees data protection in Spain. The digital processing of patient data must be registered with AEPD and the agency will ensure that proper safety procedures are in place to protect the data. Details are available on the Spanish Dental Association's website.

Resources

Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health: Pº Prado, 18-20.
28071-Madrid
phone: 901400100
fax: 34-91-596.44.80
website: Website:www.msc.es

Spainish Dental Association
website: http://www.consejodentistas.org/ (in Spainish)

Data Protection
http://www.consejodentistas.org/codigotipo.pdf (in Spainish)

Council of Euopean Dentists
CED/DLC Code of Ethics (Word Doc)