DevelopDent · Legazpi Village, Makati CBD
Root canal treatment relieves pain from an infected or inflamed tooth pulp and preserves the natural tooth structure. At DevelopDent, every case is assessed and performed by the treating dentist — with clear explanations at each stage, so you understand exactly what is happening and why.
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Inside each tooth is a pulp chamber containing nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach this tissue — through deep decay, a crack, or a failed restoration — the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Left untreated, the infection spreads into the surrounding bone and the tooth becomes unsalvageable.
Root canal treatment removes the infected or inflamed pulp, cleans and shapes the canal system, and seals it to prevent reinfection. The tooth is then restored — typically with a core buildup and a crown — so it continues to function as part of your bite.
It is one of the most reliable procedures in dentistry when indicated and performed carefully. The goal is always to keep the natural tooth if possible, because no replacement fully replicates the function and sensitivity of your own tooth structure. This page is part of the Restorative Dentistry services at DevelopDent.
Root canal treatment is indicated when the pulp is infected or irreversibly inflamed. Dr. Monique Bacalla will assess your symptoms, review targeted intraoral radiographs, and examine the tooth clinically before recommending treatment. Common indicators include:
Root canal treatment typically takes one to three appointments depending on the complexity of the case, the number of canals, and whether infection is present. Here is what to expect at each stage.
At the initial visit, the treating dentist reviews your symptoms, examines the tooth, and takes targeted intraoral radiographs to assess the root anatomy and surrounding bone. The clinical findings are discussed with you before any treatment is scheduled. If root canal treatment is indicated, the number of appointments and the expected sequence is outlined at this stage.
Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure the procedure is comfortable. Once the area is fully numb, the dentist creates an access opening through the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. The procedure is typically well-tolerated — most patients report that it feels no different from having a filling placed.
The pulp tissue is removed and each canal is carefully cleaned, shaped, and irrigated with antimicrobial solution. The number of canals varies by tooth — front teeth typically have one, while posterior teeth have two to four. The canals are then measured and confirmed radiographically to ensure thorough treatment.
Once the canals are clean and dry, they are filled with a biocompatible material — typically gutta-percha — and sealed. In some cases, a temporary filling is placed between appointments to allow inflammation to resolve before the final seal is placed.
A root canal treated tooth has lost tooth structure and is more prone to fracture. In most cases, a dental crown is recommended to protect the tooth and restore full function. Where significant structure has been lost, a core buildup is placed first to support the crown. The type of crown — zirconia, emax, or PFM — is selected based on the tooth's position and function.
Root canal treatment is priced by canal, reflecting the anatomy of the tooth. Front teeth typically have one canal; premolars have one to two; molars have two to four. The number of canals — and the complexity of the case — is confirmed during examination.
The final cost depends on the number of canals, whether re-treatment is involved, and what restoration follows. For most posterior teeth, a crown is recommended after root canal treatment to protect the tooth from fracture.
Is root canal treatment painful?
With adequate local anaesthesia, the procedure itself should not be painful. The area is numbed before any instruments are placed. Some tenderness around the tooth may persist for a day or two after each appointment — this is a normal inflammatory response as the tissue heals. Most patients find the procedure much more manageable than they expected.
How many appointments does it take?
Most root canal cases at DevelopDent are completed in one to two appointments for the endodontic phase, followed by a separate appointment for the final restoration. Complex cases, re-treatments, or teeth with active infection may require additional visits. The expected sequence will be discussed with you at the assessment stage.
Do I definitely need a crown afterward?
In most cases, yes — especially for posterior teeth that take the full force of biting. A root canal treated tooth has a reduced blood supply, becomes more brittle over time, and is at higher risk of fracture without a crown. Front teeth with minimal structure loss may sometimes be restored with a core buildup and composite, but the treating dentist will assess this for your specific tooth.
What happens if I delay or choose extraction instead?
Delaying treatment allows the infection to progress — potentially into the surrounding bone, adjacent teeth, or, in serious cases, into deeper tissues. If extraction is chosen instead of root canal treatment, the missing tooth will eventually need to be addressed with an implant, bridge, or partial denture to maintain bite stability and prevent adjacent teeth from drifting. Keeping the natural tooth is usually the most straightforward long-term outcome.
Can a tooth that has had root canal treatment get infected again?
Yes — this is called a re-infection or failed root canal. It can happen if the seal breaks down, if canals were missed during the original treatment, or if the tooth fractures and allows bacteria to re-enter. This is why the final restoration — particularly a crown — matters as much as the root canal itself. Re-treatment, or an apicoectomy in some cases, can resolve the issue if caught early.
Should I get a second opinion before proceeding?
If you have been recommended root canal treatment elsewhere and are uncertain about the diagnosis or scope of treatment, a structured second opinion consultation at DevelopDent can help you review the clinical findings independently — without any obligation to proceed with treatment here.
DevelopDent is located on the ground floor of Legaspi Tower 200 on Paseo de Roxas — a short walk from Greenbelt, accessible by LRT, and convenient for patients coming from Makati CBD, Salcedo Village, and BGC.
Directions and getting here →1st Floor, Legaspi Tower 200
107 Paseo de Roxas Street
Legazpi Village, Makati 1229
If you are experiencing tooth pain or have been told you may need root canal treatment, book a consultation at DevelopDent. The treating dentist will assess your tooth, explain the findings clearly, and outline your options — before any treatment is scheduled.
