Root Canals
How do I know if I need a Root Canal?
A combination of multiple factors determines whether or not a tooth needs a root canal. The dentist will evaluate the tooth, symptoms, x-rays and might perform some tests on the tooth before making a diagnosis.
When the nerve inside the tooth is irritated, it sends signals like mild pain, discomfort or sensitivity asking for help, at this stage, more than likely a root canal can be prevented by fixing the issue and removing the cause of irritation.
If the symptoms are ignored, they worsen in intensity and increase in frequency.
A constant throbbing pain that gets worse at night or when lying down is a classic sign that your tooth might need a Root Canal. However sometimes people don’t have pain at all.
If you are having mild pain, discomfort or sensitivity, DO NOT ignore it, act now you’ll probably prevent the need for a root canal.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Imagine a tunnel or a tube, inside every tooth is a tunnel or a canal where the nerve and the blood supplies sits. Some teeth has 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 5 or more tunnels or canals.
A Root Canal Treatment is the process of removing the dead/dying tissue from those canals. After that we clean, sterilize dry and finally 3D fill the canal.
Most often the tooth will require a Crown after a Root Canal Treatment, we will tell you in advance if you need one.
Will it hurt? How long does it take?
The times were root canals are painful and super time consuming are gone, just worry about keeping your mouth open for a slightly longer than comfortable period. A lot of patients find it easier when they put in their earphones, this is a great time to catch up with your favorite podcast or listen to a book you’ve been trying to find time to. Depending on the tooth location it could take from half an hour to two hours. Your main concern is just opening for two long, we’ll make sure to give you breaks as needed to keep you as comfortable as you can be.
What causes the nerve to get inflamed or infected?
- Untreated decay
- Trauma
- Inflammation of pulp following a dental procedure
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Excessive clenching and grinding
Can I go back to work after a Root Canal? Will I have pain after a Root Canal?
Yes and maybe.
After a Root Canal, expect some tenderness on the tooth for the first couple of weeks, the gum might be sore for a few days as well. That being said, except in rare cases, you should not be having severe non bearable pain.
Unless you suffered from a severe infection, in most cases, you can go back to your normal life as soon as the numbing wears off. Depending on the severity of the infection/inflammation, symptoms will start improving starting day 1.
If a crown is required after the Root Canal, we recommend that you stick to a soft food diet on that side to protect the tooth until the crown is placed.
Additional Reading
Interested in learning more about root canals? Check out some of our blogs to get additional insights, tips, advice, overviews, and Post-Op Instructions related to root canals. Our friendly dental team is also ready to answer any questions that you may have!
