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FAQs About Root Canal Treatment
NO
REPLACEMENT is as good as a natural tooth! And sometimes your natural tooth may
need root canal (endodontic) treatment for it to remain a healthy part of your
mouth. Most patients report that having root canal (endodontic) treatment today
is as unremarkable as having a cavity filled. If you've been told you need root
canal (endodontic) treatment, you can find the answers to your questions
below.
Who performs endodontic
treatment?
All dentists, including your general dentist, receive
very basic training in endodontic treatment in dental school. General dentists
often refer patients needing endodontic treatment to endodontists. |
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Who is an
“endodontist”?
An endodontist is a dentist with special
training in diagnosing and treating problems associated with the inside of the
tooth. They do only endodontic procedures in their practices because they are
specialists. To become specialists, they complete dental school and an
additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics, one of the
nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. They perform
routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including
retreatment of previous root canals that have not healed completely, as well as
endodontic surgery. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of
oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.
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Why would I need an endodontic
procedure?
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft
tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or
infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures
on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a
tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks.
If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead
to an abscess
What are the signs of
needing endodontic treatment?
Signs to look for include pain,
prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing,
discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph
nodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes, however, there
are no symptoms.
How does endodontic
treatment save the tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or
infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, a channel
inside the root, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to
your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to
protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues
to function like any other tooth.
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Will I feel pain during or after the
procedure?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the
pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern
techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable
during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your
tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the
procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or
prescription medications. Follow your endodontist’s instructions
carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your
other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed.
However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few
days, call your endodontist. |
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How much will the procedure cost?
The cost varies
depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are
more difficult to treat, the fee is usually more. Most dental insurance
policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatment.
Generally,
endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive
than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be
replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent
adjacent teeth from shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than
endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration. With root canal treatment you
save your natural teeth and money.
Will
the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic
treatment?
You should chew or bite carefully on the treated tooth
until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is
susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration
as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene,
including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.
Most
endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few
cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the
pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months
or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the
endodontic procedure can save the tooth. The anatomy of our teeth are
constantly changing as we grow older |
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What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need
additional treatment?
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or
broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the
endodontist may discover additional very narrow or curved canals that could not
be treated during the initial procedure.
Can all teeth be treated endodontically?
Most teeth can be
treated. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved because the root canals are
not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have
adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances in
endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago
would have been lost. When endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic
surgery may be able to save the tooth. Tooth Illustration
What's inside a tooth?
From the outside, a
tooth looks like a hard, solid substance. But this cut-away illustration
reveals that a tooth is really a complex system of specialized tissues.
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