Understanding the Truth About Root Canals
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal is when we access a tooth, remove decay, and remove the infected nerve.
What are the signs that I might need a root canal?
You'll know it hurts. It hurts really badly and sometimes with swelling.
What could happen if I don't get a root canal when I need one?
Pain is tremendous. When a tooth gets infected, you have an abscess near the root, and that abscess can spread, particularly in areas that are closer to other important structures. In the head, for example, upper teeth are near your brain and sinuses, lower teeth near airways.
What type of dentist performs a root canal?
Generally, a specialist, an endodontist. However, here I'm comfortable doing root canals as far back as your four molars.
Do dentists prefer root canals or implants?
That depends. Every tooth is worth saving. If we still have a lot of tooth structure left and it's something worth saving, I'm 100% for the root canal. However, when we have extensive decay that's eaten through more than 60-70% of the tooth, we don't have enough tooth structure to even crown the tooth after we get the root canal. Therefore, that tooth will have a poor prognosis.
What are the stages of a root canal treatment?
Usually, if you need a root canal, you have a very big cavity. We drill the tooth, remove the cavity, and ensure we have a nice clean working environment. Access the canal where your nerve resides, then remove the nerve. You don't feel any of this because you'll be numb.
After that, we fill the canal space with a biocompatible material and then put a crown over that tooth to ensure it's nice and protected.
Is sedation available during the root canal treatment?
Yes.
What are possible side effects of a root canal?
When root canals are done right, they can last for a very long time. However, a tooth can get reinfected, and all the symptoms of an infected tooth will come back. It could be costly if that's something you need to do twice for a tooth.
Should I get a crown or a permanent filling after?
Crowns, crowns, crowns, crowns, crowns all day long. Most of the time, if you need a root canal, the tooth is most likely very decayed. Unless the tooth somehow goes necrotic, which means the nerve dies for no reason, then a filling would be a better choice.
What should be done after undergoing a root canal treatment?
As far as restorative upkeep, you want to get a crown. A tooth is very prone to fracturing after a root canal, so you want to make sure that we put a crown on that tooth to protect it.
What if my tooth hurts after a root canal?
I would give it two weeks. Post-op pain and sensitivity are very normal. However, if that symptom persists for longer than two weeks, I would call your doctor and get a post-op appointment.
Want to learn more? Call Smiles of Virginia Beach at (757) 231-3728 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.