FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY DO I NEED TO SEE AN ENDODONTIST?

Endodontist are dentists with special training beyond dental school for an additional two years of advanced training, to be able to diagnose and treat various causes of oral and facial pain and infection.

HOW DO I KNOW I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

Some of the symptoms are tenderness to chewing, sensitivity and/or lingering pain with hot or cold, tooth discoloration, swelling, tenderness/pain in the jaw or gums.  Additionally, in certain cases, there would not be any pain or discomfort, but and infection in the bone is evident radiographically.

WILL I HAVE PAIN DURING/AFTER THE ROOT CANAL?

Once the tooth and the surrounding area is properly anesthetized, you should not have any pain during the procedure.  However, your tooth and the area around the tooth will feel sensitive and may be uncomfortable for a few days after the procedure, which will resolve as the infection and inflammation clears up.

WILL MY TOOTH NEED ANY SPECIAL CARE OR TREATMENT AFTER?

After the root canal your tooth is covered with a temporary filling, and it is more susceptible to fracture and breaking.  You should try not to bite or chew on the tooth, till you see your general dentist for the permanent restoration, which usually is a full coverage crown.  

IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO ROOT CANAL THERAPY?

Often, the only alternative to root canal therapy is extraction of your tooth.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

The cost of endodontic procedure is based on the type of endodontic procedure and the tooth that the procedure is being performed on.  We will give you an estimated cost at your first visit before the treatment is started.  However, it’s generally less expensive to save your tooth will root canal treatment, compared to the alternative option of extracting your tooth and replacing it with an implant, bridge, or removable partial denture to restore your chewing function and prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth.  Ultimately, nothing is as good as your own natural tooth.

CAN I DRIVE MYSELF HOME?

Typically after a conventional root canal, you can drive yourself home.  However, in certain cases involving sedation dentistry or a surgical root canal you may have to have transportation arrangements.  Please ask us before your appointment.

WHEN CAN I RESUME MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?

Patients usually return to work on the same day, and resume normal activities the next day for most routine procedures.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY ROOT CANAL?

1.    It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit a dull ache immediately after receiving root canal therapy. This should subside within one week.
2.    Your tooth will be sensitive to biting pressure and may even appear loose. This feeling is a result of sensitivity of nerve ending in the tissue just outside the end of the root that was cleaned, irrigated and sealed.
3.    Occasionally, a small “bubble” or “pimple” will appear on the gum tissue within a few days of completion of root canal treatment. This represents the release of pressure and bacteria, which no longer can be sustained around the tooth. This should disappear within a few days.
4.    You may feel a rough area or depression on your tooth. This is where the access was made into your tooth. It is covered with a soft material that is meant only as a temporary filling and may wear away to some degree within a few weeks.
5.    We recommend that you take something for the pain relief within one hour of leaving our office in order to get medication into your bloodstream before the anesthesia we administrated begins to subside. We recommend ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) usually 3-4 tablets. If you have a medical condition that precludes ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol or Excedrin) is a suitable substitute.
6.    Please try to avoid chewing gum, caramels or other sticky, soft candy. Whenever possible, try to chew on the opposite side from the tooth we have just treated, until you have a crown or permanent restoration placed. Until that time, the tooth is weakened and could fracture.
7.    Please avoid peanuts and popcorn kernels because these can cause the tooth to fracture.     

PLEASE CALL IF you are experiencing symptoms more intense or of longer duration than those described above.