4 Common Questions About Root Canals

Posted on: 3 March 2022

Has it been recommended that you get a root canal to save a tooth? If so, you probably have questions before you move forward with the procedure. Here are some common questions you likely want to hear the answer to.

Is A Root Canal Necessary To Save The Tooth?

If you have infected pulp within your tooth, the only way to save the natural tooth will be to get a root canal. This causes the tooth to essentially be hollowed out and capped, which retains the natural root in your jawbone, which stimulates the jaw and keeps it healthy.

However, you do not always need to get a root canal if you do not want to. Other options include having the tooth pulled and replacing it with another dental restoration option, such as a dental bridge or dental implant.

Keep in mind that a tooth that is dead because of an infected root cannot be made healthy again. The root canal procedure is designed to preserve the natural tooth's structure, and will not cause it to have healthy tooth pulp.

Does A Root Canal Hurt?

Many patients are surprised to discover that a root canal procedure is not actually painful. While the procedure may seem quite daunting, anesthesia is used to numb your mouth so that you do not feel anything. If you have been afraid of getting the procedure done because of the potential pain and discomfort, know that it will not be an issue.

How Long Does The Root Canal Procedure Take?

The process of getting a root canal has become easier over the years because of the advances in the technology that is used. It's very likely that a single root canal will take under an hour to complete. However, you'll likely need to return to the dentist for a second visit to have a permanent crown attached to the tooth. That's because some dentists are able to make same-day crowns in their office, while most outsource the job to a lab that makes them offsite.

What Is The Recovery Like After A Root Canal?

The area where the root canal was performed will be numb due to the anesthesia. You should wait until the anesthesia wears off until you start eating again. You can expect the tooth to feel sensitive for a few days after the procedure, but it will eventually feel normal again once the inflammation goes down.

For more information on root canals, contact a local dentist.

Share

Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.