Some people find the root canal procedure daunting. However, most of this fear stems from uncertainty and misinformation. So, knowledge is power. We’re sure you have questions. And we have answers.
Read our answers to 11 of the most common root canal questions.
How long does a root canal procedure last?
Most root canal procedures take one to two visits. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, while more complicated cases may take up 90 minutes or more. All in all, the amount of time you will spend at the dental office for a root canal procedure depends on multiple factors like the number of canals that need to be cleaned or the tooth that is being treated.
Do root canals cause cancer?
There is a false, yet pervasive myth that root canals cause cancer. Some of this is due to a relatively recent documentary called “Root Cause” that claimed that root canals lead to other health issues.
There is no evidence that supports this claim and scientists have been debunking this myth since it first started in the early 1900s. One such study that showed the opposite is a 2013 study that found that people who had root canals had fewer occurrences of head and neck cancer.
How do you know if you need a root canal?
While the only way to find out for sure if you need a root canal is to visit a dentist, there are some signs to look out for. For example if you have any of the following, it may be time to book an appointment to your Dentist:
- Pain when you bite down
- Dark discoloration on your teeth
- Inflamed gums
- Bump on your gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
How does the dentist know if I need a root canal?
After seeing the common signs of needing a root canal and visiting your dentist, it’s now their job to figure out if you need a root canal. They will do this by taking dental x-rays of the suspicious tooth. Other tests they may do to determine if the tooth pulp is dead, inflamed, or infected are electric pulp tests that use a device that sends an electric current through your tooth to see if the pulp reacts or check to see if there are signs of swelling in your gums or bone.
Will I feel pain during or after my Endodontic Treatment?
A lot of people are afraid that root canal treatments are extremely painful. In reality, because you will be given anesthesia throughout, it isn’t more painful than other dental procedures. You may feel some soreness and discomfort after the procedure, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain medication.
Will my RCT treated tooth function normally?
After a root canal treatment, your tooth should function normally. However, it’s important that you continue to care for your root canal treated tooth to prevent other issues.
Do you need a crown after a root canal?
Not all teeth that receive root canal treatment need a crown. According to the American Association of Endodontists, this depends significantly on the location of the tooth that needs treatment. Teeth in the back of the mouth that are needed for chewing more than others typically need crowns, while teeth like incisors or canines don’t always need crowns.
How do I care for my RCT treated tooth?
You can help your root canal treated tooth heal by eating soft foods in the days after treatment and
avoiding smoking since it can make it harder for your teeth to heal. You can also try to prevent another root canal by brushing your teeth after each meal, flossing everyday, using antibacterial mouthwash, and getting regular teeth cleanings.
Is root canal treatment expensive?
The cost of root canal treatment depends on multiple factors, such as where the tooth is and the complexity of the treatment. More complicated root canals may need an endodontist, rather than Dr. Ruiz, to perform the procedure, and their rates may be different. A root canal treatment is also often finished off with a dental crown or other filling, which add more to the cost. You may not pay as much as you might think if you have dental insurance, because these plans typically cover around 50 to 80% of the cost of care.
Can I get my tooth extracted, rather than a root canal?
If your dentist recommends a root canal to treat your tooth, it’s important to understand that this means they believe that is the best treatment in your case. In a root canal procedure, a dentist will remove the infected and injured tissues in your tooth, clean it, then fill it with medicated material. It is then capped with a restoration, such as a dental crown, to return to its original shape. In a root canal, your tooth is saved.
However, some people ask if a tooth extraction would be better for them. A tooth extraction is when your entire tooth is pulled. This usually happens when there is severe tooth decay or damage, and your dentist determines that a root canal or other treatments cannot repair the damage. A simple extraction can be done by your general dentist, however, more complex extractions may need to be done by an oral surgeon, which would require incisions and stitches. After the tooth is extracted, a replacement might be done through a dental implant, bridge, or denture. An extraction typically takes longer to heal from than a root canal.
What’s cheaper, a root canal or extraction?
While tooth extractions are generally cheaper than root canals, this ignores the cost of the replacement. When adding in the cost of the replacement, root canals are generally the more affordable option.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates, Inc for root canal treatment in Burbank, CA
Dr. Ruiz is a renowned dentist known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry.” This is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces long-lasting, beautiful results. He even teaches other dentists around the world these techniques. Check out our Google reviews and make an appointment at our office!
