Root Canal Treatment

Does a root canal hurt?

Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn’t more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.

Can I go to work after getting a root canal?

After root canal procedure patients likely be numb for two-four hours, most patients are able to return to work directly following a root canal. Patients advised avoid eating until the numbness is completely gone.

How Successful Are Root Canal?

A treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. Root canals have a high success rate and are significantly less expensive than the alternative.

General procedure for Root canal:

First Patients required to consult dentist. There are a number of steps that occur over a few visits.

X-ray – if a dentist suspects you may need a root canal, he will first take X-rays or examine existing X-rays to show where the decay is located.

Anesthesia – local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth. Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is no more painful than a filling.

Pulpectomy – an opening is made and the diseased tooth pulp is removed.

Filling – the roots that have been opened (to get rid of the disease pulp) are filled with gutta-percha material and sealed off with cement.

Is Crown necessary after Root canal?

After performing root canal work, dentists apply permanent fillings to protect the treated teeth from bacteria and to strengthen them in the process. Fitting crowns over the filled teeth is necessary because of the high risk of fracture without the extra protection crowns provide. Another advantage of crowns is that they restore the natural appearance of your teeth.

After the Procedure

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is a must after a root canal treatment. You might need to schedule an additional visit with your dentist to X-ray the treated tooth and to make sure that all signs of infection are gone. In addition, twice-yearly dental cleanings and examinations are advised. It is important to keep up a good oral care routine at home, including brushing twice a day with a toothpaste. With care and attention, a diseased tooth treated with a root canal therapy can stay healthy for the rest of your life.

Any alternatives to a Root Canal?

Saving patients natural teeth is the very best option, if possible. The root canal procedure is the treatment of choice.

The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These alternatives not only are more expensive than a root canal procedure but require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues to make bridge.