Overview
Known as an endodontic treatment, a single root canal or per-tooth root canal treatment procedure can repair tooth pulp, nerve and additional damage to the root of a tooth caused by oral or gum disease as well as injuries or untreated infection. A root canal procedure can save your tooth, but surrounding teeth as well.

A single-tooth root canal treatment removes damaged pulp from inside the tooth. If you allow bacteria-filled pulp to remain in a damaged or infected tooth, bacteria may spread into the jaw and other areas of the face, neck or head, sometimes even the brain. Bone loss around tooth roots and may result in loss of the damaged tooth and even surrounding teeth.

Benefits of a Per-Tooth Root Canal
Those suffering pain of chronic toothache or pain of a damaged tooth and its components may benefit from a single or per-tooth root canal procedure. Enjoying a nearly 100 percent success rate in saving and repairing tooth and tooth pulp health, root canals can last a lifetime. Pain from root canal procedures is small and is treated with over-the-counter pain medication. Tooth health and restoration of function, in addition to reduction of pain, prevention of infection are just a few of the benefits of a single root canal treatment.

Per-Tooth Root Canal Procedure
First, you'll undergo x-rays taken to determine the condition and shape of the root canal and the structure of the tooth, including its pulpy center. Your dentist will also watch for any sign of infection or damage to surrounding teeth or bone tissue.

The dentist numbs the tooth with a local or injectable anesthetic. A small piece of rubber is placed over the tooth to separate the working surface area from neighboring teeth. A hole is then drilled in the center of the tooth, created a hole through which the dentist can remove infected or decayed materials. Your tooth is then flushed with an antiseptic solution.

Following the drilling, your dentist might suggest a short wait of a few days to a week or so before you return for the tooth filling procedure in order to ensure that all decayed or infectious materials have been removed. While you wait, the dentist will cover the tooth with a temporary crown.

During the filling process, the damaged root canal is filled with a rubber compound or sealer paste. The hole in your tooth is filled with dental filler. Your dentist may also need to restore your tooth appearance. This is done through a crown. The fitted crown protects the tooth and prevents it from breaking. Doing so also helps restore chewing function.

How Much Does a Single Tooth Root Canal Cost?
A single root canal treatment in the United States, a root canal averages $350 to $600 for a front tooth, and $500 to $850 for back molars. However, an endodontist who specializes in tooth root issues may charge up to 50% more for these procedures. Dental travelers visiting foreign locations such as Costa Rica may pay $200 for root canal, while visitors to Mexico may pay roughly $185. Travelers to India will pay an average of about $150.

Who Performs a Single Tooth Root Canal?
Root canals are done by an oral surgeon or endodontist, a dentist who specializes in the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of injuries or disease processes that involve the pulp or nerves of teeth.

Make sure your dentist is certified, through standards of the American Dental Association or other accredited dental association sub-specialty certification. Other countries typically require membership or certification through Dental Colleges. For example, in India, a dentist should be certified through the Dental Council of India. In Singapore, a dentist should be registered with the College of Dental Surgeons. In Australia, dentists should be registered with the Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons. Take the time to ask or find out about certification requirements within any country.