My dentist can't get me numb, will I feel the root canal?
Don't worry, your dentist has sent you to a specialist. We will inject the anesthetic a little bit differently than your general dentist does. You will find yourself to be profoundly numb, some say up to their eyes, before we will start the procedure. You are in good hands!
How many visits will it take for the Root Canal?
For most root canals, we can complete the exam and treatment in 1 visit. However, some cases may be a little more difficult, in which we would need an additional appointment. For Retreatments and Surgeries we will bring you back for no-charge follow ups to assess your healing.
Am I ok to drive myself to my appointment? When can I return to work?
For all procedures, we use a numbing medicine called local anesthetic. Most people do fine with just the local anesthetic alone and can return to work or normal daily activiites the same day. Some people who are apprehensive about treatment may want to get additional medication to allow them to relax. If you elect the sedation, you must have a driver to take you to and from treatment and do not plan on returning to work or school the same day. For sedation, we will schedule you for a consultation first to review medical history and to evaluate the tooth and get your diagnosis, then will schedule you back for treatment.
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 gum 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 root canal, 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.
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. We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours. 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
Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment?
You should not chew or bite 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.
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.