What is a root canal?

Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This procedure can save the natural tooth and maintain the function and estethics. More that 14 million are done by dental providers every year.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels, nerves and cells that is surrounded by the tooth structure of dentin and enamel. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. The symptoms resulting from an infected pulp can be identified by hot and cold (thermal) sensitivity, spontaneous pain, biting to biting or pressure or swelling of the gum.

If you experience any of these symptoms, the endodontist will complete an exam and take xrays of the area. If the pulp is diagnosed as infected or necrotic, non-surgical treatment can be completed to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed with a permanent material. If an infected pulp is not removed, the infection can spread into the surrounding bone, making case more complicated. Root canal therapy usually involves local anesthesia for pain control and may be completed in one visit, however, multiple visit may be necessary depending on the complexity of the case. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not restorable, if the surrounding bone is compromised or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation of the treatment options or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment. Dr. Feimster uses local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort and will recommend or prescribe pain medications and/or antibiotics. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.

What happens after treatment?

Upon completion of the root canal therapy, a temporary restoration will be placed over the tooth to seal it and the endodontist will refer you back to the general dentist for the permanent restoration. It is recommended that the permanent restoration is placed within 3 weeks. A post-operative letter of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. If the permanent restoration is not placed, the tooth is susceptible to fracturing or becoming reinfected.

Post-operative pain should be managed with the recommended or prescribed medication that the endodontist gave and if there is any swelling, immediately call our office to discuss the case with the endodontist. If a problem does occur after the treatment is completed, we discuss the case over the phone and give you a follow up appointment if necessary. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.

How much will a root canal cost?

The cost associated with root canals can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an implant or bridge.

Emergency Root Canals

The longer a patient goes without treatment of an infected root canal, the higher their chances of pulp necrosis. Pulp necrosis is the phenomenon in which the tooth’s pulp experiences total tissue death.

Pulp necrosis can increase a patient’s risk of abscesses (including those in the brain), bone loss, cellulitis, fever, infection, jaw swelling, periodontitis, and sinusitis. Consequently, it requires immediate dental attention — especially if experiencing the following symptoms: darkening or discoloration of the teeth, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, severe toothaches when biting down or chewing, pimples on the gums, severe toothaches when biting down or chewing, and swelling or tender gums. Root canal therapy or extraction are the treatment options for emergency cases.

Call Us Today

Root canals are often necessary to save a tooth. The team at Tranquility Dental Spa can help. Call us today at 980-316-7109 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an endodontist do during a root canal?

First, our team must complete an exam and take a X-ray to determine the diagnosis and the cause of the problems. Then the treatment plan and options will be presented. If the patient elects to retain the tooth, the patient be given anesthesia for pain control, the endodontist will drill a hole in the top of the tooth and removed the infected/inflamed nerve and pulp from the inside of the tooth. A permanent material will be sealed the inside of the root of the tooth and a temporary restoration will placed on top.

Are root canals painful?

Many patients have fear of the myth that all root canals are painful. With the advancement of technology, equipment and knowledge of the pain control, fortunately, root canals are typically not painful. The team will inform you what to expect during your visit. If at any time you feel any discomfort during the procedure, immediately communicate that to the endodontist or assistant so measure will be taken to manage the pain.

How long does it take to complete a root canal treatment?

You will be given a 90 minute appointment for the consultation and treatment. We strive to complete the root canal within that time, however, some cases are more difficult and may require a second visit. The severity of the infection and the canal anatomy may result in a return visit to the office for completion of the root canal treatment.

What should I do while I recover from a root canal?

Try to avoid placing any pressure on the affected area. This involves eating carefully and refraining from chewing on the treated side of the mouth. You may want to limit yourself to a soft food diet until your tooth has fully healed. Most patients can manage the post-operative pain or discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications. The endodontist will talk to you about the recommended pain medications and/or antibiotics to take following the treatment.

How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

After a routine root canal procedure, you can return to your normal activities after the procedure. You may experience post-operative pain if you presented with pre-operative pain. Healing and recovery times different between each individual. By taking the prescribed or recommended pain medications and antibiotics, pain levels and any swelling should gradually reduce and that is normal. If the pain intensifies or if the swelling increases after taking the prescribe medications, call our office immediately to discuss the condition. You may be given an appointment to return for a follow up evaluation or further treatment.