- What is a Root Canal?
- Is a Root Canal for You?
- What is Involved in a Root Canal Procedure?
- Is the Root Canal Procedure Painful?
- Will I Feel Anything After Root Canal Treatment?
- What are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy versus Extraction?
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal (we prefer the term “pulp therapy”) is the removal of diseased tissue or infection inside the root of the tooth and sealing the space closed. Often the back teeth (molars) have 4 or 5 canal spaces and the treatment can be complex and tedious without the use of a microscope and specialized equipment. This is probably why your general dentist referred you to our team. I often tell patients that pulp therapy is like removing an infected splinter from under your thumb nail; frequently, the relief is instantaneous. You may hear me say that there are three bad things about root canals:
1. “You have to open your mouth wide”, so you may want to practice some before you see us.
2. “You have to pay for them”; the fee will range from $570 to $1,100, depending on the number of canals and complexity, so please review the financial policy.
3. “You have to listen to me sing” (my supplemental anesthesia)!
Sometimes we may ask you to return in two months for a follow-up x-ray to make sure you are healing properly (our x-ray is state of the art with minimal radiation). It is a miracle how the body heals, and I may tell you “I just get the garbage out of the way and let the Lord do the healing”.
Is a Root Canal for you?
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Discomfort when chewing or biting
- Dull ache
- Discomfort that wakes you up at night
- Your dentist has diagnosed the need for endodontic treatment either by clinical exam or x-ray
If you answered yes to any of the above, you might very well need a root canal. Please call and schedule for an evaluation.
Be aware not all teeth that ARE in need of root canal therapy will cause pain. It is possible to be pain-free and still need a root canal.
What is Involved in a Root Canal Procedure?
Dr. Fuller examines the x-ray and the tooth, then administers a local anesthetic. After the tooth is numbed, a small protective sheet, called a dental-dam is placed to isolate the tooth. A small opening will be made in the crown of the tooth and small instruments will be used to clean the canals and to shape the canal spaces for filling. Once the canals have been adequately cleaned and shaped, the canals will then be filled with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha” and sealer. A temporary filling is then placed to close the opening. Your dentist will remove the temporary filling before the tooth is restored. Learn more.
Is the Root Canal Procedure Painful?
With modern techniques and anesthetics the procedure is much faster and with less discomfort than there has ever been. A similar anesthetic as the one used by your dentist will be used for the root canal. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive to the bite. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications in order to control normal post-treatment discomfort.
Will I Feel Anything After Root Canal Treatment?
In most cases the discomfort will subside dramatically within the first 24-48 hours. Any sensitivity to cold, hot or even breathing air “in” will be gone after your visit. Nevertheless, you may experience mild discomfort to pressure that could last for several days after treatment. Taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve usually relieves this discomfort. Tylenol has been proven not to be as effective as aspirin, etc., because it does not have the anti-inflammatory component as these other medications. The most common complaint is tenderness to touch, bite, tapping or chewing on the tooth. It is recommended to refrain from any of the above until your dentist permanently restores your tooth.
What are the Benefits of Root Canal Therapy Versus Extraction?
The single most important benefit of root canal therapy is that you keep your tooth. Extraction may lead to other dental problems. For instance, drifting of teeth, bite problems, TMJ discomfort, and the need to treat adjacent teeth that do not otherwise need dental treatment in order to restore the missing tooth. No matter how effective modern tooth replacements are – and they can be very effective – nothing is a good as your natural tooth.
