Root Canal Treatment FAQ

Frequently asked questions related to root canal treatment.

Root Canal Treatment

What causes a root canal?

+

A root canal can be caused by a number of things, including decay, an injury, or a crack in the tooth. The root canal procedure involves removing the nerve and root of the tooth, and then sealing the tooth to protect it from future decay.

What does a root canal treatment do?

+

Root canal is a treatment to save an infected or badly damaged tooth instead of removing it. The term "root canal" comes from cleaning out canals inside of your teeth's roots, and it's called this because they're so deep within the mouth.

What kind of dentist does root canal?

+

Endodontists are the experts in root canal treatments. They have a high success rate and often perform this procedure more than general dentists.

What happens if you don't get a root canal treatment?

+

The consequences of not undergoing root canal treatment can be severe. If left untreated, the bacterial infection will spread to your jaw and other parts of your body like brain or blood stream!

What is a failed root canal?

+

A root canal fails when an already treated tooth (with a root canal procedure) becomes infected at the base. If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to other teeth in that area or cause illness elsewhere on your body.

Why do you need a root canal?

+

Root canals are needed when there is a crack in your tooth due to injury or genetics, deep cavities that cause pain from pressure on the nerves inside of it or issues from a previous filling. Additionally people may require root canal treatment if they're experiencing dental sensitivity when eating hot food/drinks, cold items, etc.

Why does my tooth hurt after a root canal?

+

Your teeth are only the beginning of your mouth's complex network. The pulp in our teeth contains many nerves, precious fluids and sensitive tissues that can become irritated, swollen or inflamed after you have endodontic (root canal) treatment, causing minor discomfort.

Why do you need a crown after a root canal?

+

Root canal therapy can leave the surface of your tooth at risk of infection and contamination. To avoid the risks associated with this, you will be given a dental crown to protect it from harmful leakage so that extraction is no longer necessary.

Which term most accurately identifies root canal therapy?

+

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment is a dental procedure that removes infection from inside teeth. This treatment can protect your tooth from future infections.

What happens when a root canal gets infected?

+

When you experience pain in your teeth, it's often because there is an infection or damage to the root canal. The pain from a root canal infection can be severe and you may even experience sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods. The inflammation in your gums could also cause this discomfort, so it's important to get treated as soon as possible!

When does a cavity need a root canal?

+

Root canals are often needed when tooth decay has become serious enough to reach the nerve and pulp of your teeth. In some cases, root canal treatment may be needed for severe cavities that have not been treated at the earlier stage of decay.

How to know when you need a root canal?

+

Root canal treatment is often the best course of action for those who experience severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after they've been removed from your mouth and darkening stains on their teeth. A patient can feel swelling and tenderness in nearby gums. If you notice any one of these signs in addition to persistent / recurring pimples on your gum line then it's likely time to consider getting an appointment with a dentist soon!

How long does a root canal take?

+

Root canal therapy can be a lengthy process. One or two appointments are required for each tooth that needs treatment, and it may take 30-60 minutes on average per root canal procedure to complete them all! If you are having treatment on a larger tooth with multiple roots, it can take up to an hour and a half.

How is the root canal done?

+
  1. Anesthesia is given to the patient
  2. Dental dam placement
  3. A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp
  4. Pulp removal
  5. Shaping the canals
  6. Filling the canals
  7. Tooth sealing
  8. Placing the final restoration

How to get rid of root canal pain?

+
  1. Take Ibuprofen
  2. Orajel - topical gel
  3. Place a cold compress
  4. Eat soft and bland foods
  5. Rinse with salt water
  6. Sleep on an elevated pillow

How to prevent root canal?

+
  1. Brushing and flossing
  2. Avoid sticky or hard foods
  3. Wear a mouthguard
  4. Watch what you drink
  5. Get regular dental checkups

How many times can a root canal be retreated?

+

Root canal treatment is a very effective way to get rid of an infection in your tooth. Studies show that root canal treatments have an 86 – 98% success rate. Although an endodontist can do a second or third root canal treatment on your tooth, the results are unpredictable.