What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is needed when the tooth’s nerve becomes affected or infected. We clean out the infected nerve system and fill the space with a special material.
For example, a tooth has an outer layer called enamel, a middle layer called dentin, and an inner part that contains the nerve system. When that nerve is affected, a root canal treatment may be necessary.
What are signs that you need a root canal?
Signs that you may need a root canal include constant sensitivity to hot or cold, chewing pain that lasts longer than 30 seconds, tooth pain that wakes you up at night, or random pain that happens out of nowhere. These can all indicate that you may need root canal treatment.
Can a cracked tooth be saved with a root canal?
It depends on the type of crack. If a tooth is cracked above the gum line and still has enough tooth structure remaining, a root canal can be a wonderful treatment to help save it. If the tooth is cracked more severely, it may not be possible to save it. If the crack goes all the way to the gum line or there is not enough tooth structure left to rebuild the tooth, then a root canal may no longer be an option.
What happens during a root canal?
During a root canal, we first numb the area to make sure you feel no pain. We use a rubber dam to isolate the tooth so the cleaning solutions stay controlled.
Then we remove any cavities and the infected nerve tissue. We clean the inside of the tooth with multiple cleaning solutions and make sure the canal is thoroughly cleaned and shaped from top to bottom.
In our office at Dominion Smiles, we also add special procedures to improve cleaning and disinfection. We may use an EndoActivator, which is a high-speed vibrating device that helps power-clean inside the nerve system. Sometimes, we also use a laser for additional disinfection. These tools help disinfect deeper areas beyond what medication alone can reach, helping improve the success of the root canal treatment.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
A root canal procedure normally takes one to two hours, although it can be shorter or longer depending on the complexity of the tooth, how many canals it has, how painful the tooth is, and how long it takes to get the area numb.
Is a dental crown needed after a root canal?
A dental crown is normally needed after a root canal. When we clean out the nerve system, the tooth becomes a bit hollowed out and therefore weaker. In addition, teeth that need root canals often already have deep decay or other structural issues. For those reasons, a crown is often recommended afterward.
What kind of anesthesia or comfort options are used during a root canal procedure?
We normally use local anesthesia. We apply numbing gel around the tooth and then numb the tooth individually. Occasionally, we may also offer comfort options, such as Alpha-Stim or other comfort measures, to help patients feel more relaxed during treatment.
Is root canal treatment safe?
Root canal treatment is actually very safe. First, it removes infection from the tooth. Second, the tooth is isolated during treatment, so the cleaning solutions are controlled and do not leak out. Third, it preserves your natural tooth and is minimally invasive compared with pulling the tooth or replacing it with an implant.
How should you prepare for a root canal?
A root canal normally does not require much preparation from the patient. We usually just ask you to get a good night’s sleep, eat well, stay hydrated, and come in ready for treatment. We’ll take care of the rest.
How will you feel after a root canal?
How you feel after a root canal depends on how the tooth felt before treatment. Sometimes patients come in with a lot of pain, and the root canal provides significant relief. You may still feel a little sore afterward. If the tooth has been dying for a long time and the nerve was not actively hurting, you may have very little or even no discomfort after treatment.
Most often, the tooth is no longer sensitive, but there may be a short period of mild soreness from the numbing injection, the cleaning process, or the small clip used during the procedure, which can sometimes irritate the gum slightly.
How much recovery time does a root canal need?
Root canals normally do not require much recovery time. Most patients are able to get up and continue with their day. However, if you had a lot of pain before the procedure, you may want to take it easy for the rest of the day, and your doctor may give you medication to help with recovery.
What is the best way to recover after a root canal?
The best way to recover after a root canal is to rest, eat well, stay hydrated, and avoid chewing anything very hard on that side until your permanent crown has been placed.
How do root canals compare to dental implants?
A root canal is the first line of defense when a tooth has been injured, is hurting, or is cracked because it allows us to save the natural tooth. It is less invasive and involves less trauma, and it can help the tooth last longer.
Dental implants become an option when a root canal is no longer a solution, when there is not enough tooth left to save, or when the tooth is already missing. In that case, an implant acts as a replacement for the natural tooth.
Why is a dental crown recommended after a root canal?
A dental crown is recommended after a root canal because the tooth can become more fragile or brittle afterward. In many cases, the tooth already had significant decay or cracks before the root canal was needed, which is another reason the crown helps protect it.
How much does root canal treatment cost?
The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on the location of the tooth, whether it is an initial treatment, or whether you have had treatment before and need retreatment. It can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. We’d be happy to give you a more detailed, personalized quote when you come in.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (210) 866-8730 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!