Hearing the news that you need a root canal often causes anxiety for most people given all the bad press this procedure has received (e.g., “I'd rather have a root canal than...”). However, the truth is that root canal treatment relieves pain; it doesn't cause it. And it is typically highly successful. The real pain occurs for most people when decay is left untreated or the nerve in a tooth under a very large filling becomes infected and dies.

For these reasons, we have put together the following list of questions you should consider asking prior to having a root canal or endodontic (“endo” – inside: “dontic” – tooth) treatment.

• Am I a good candidate for root canal treatment?
• Does it hurt to have a root canal?
• What can I expect if I do not have a root canal treatment?
• Are there any other treatment options for me given my situation? If so, what are they?
• Do you do root canal treatment or should I see a specialist?
• How long will the entire process take from my first appointment until my root canal treatment has healed?
• Will the pain I am in immediately subside after a root canal or will it take some time?
• Will I need or receive any type of sedation while having the treatment?
• Are there any risks associated with root canal treatment? If so, what are they?
• How long can I expect my natural tooth to last after root canal treatment?
• What could happen to cause a root canal to require a second treatment?
• How much will my root canal cost?
• Will my insurance cover all or a portion of the cost?
• Will the tooth be as strong after root canal treatment, or will it need a crown?
• Will there be any special maintenance required on an ongoing basis after I have a root canal?

To learn more about root canals, continue reading the Dear Doctor article, “I'd Rather Have A Root Canal.” Or if you feel you may need a root canal or other dental procedure, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Test yourself on your knowledge of this dental procedure.

1. A root canal is
1. A canal shaped structure in the root of your tooth
2. A blood vessel carrying blood from your gum to your tooth
3. An instrument used by your dentist in performing dental surgery
2. Which of these are symptoms of root canal infection?
1. Sharp, acute and intense pain, which is difficult to pinpoint
2. Sharp pain when biting down on your tooth or on food
3. Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods
4. Dull ache and pressure
5. Tenderness (accompanied by swelling) in the nearby gums
6. All the above
3. If you don't feel any pain you do not have a root canal infection.
1. True
2. False
4. Root canal treatment is a very painful experience.
1. True
2. False
5. Root canal treatment is called endodontic therapy. What does this word mean?
1. Bringing the end of your problems
2. Inside your tooth
3. Fighting gum disease
6. You need root canal treatment if
1. The inside or pulp of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected
2. Your tooth needs to be gently moved in order to correct your bite
3. Acid erosion is damaging your tooth
7. During root canal treatment the canals in your teeth are cleaned out and sealed off.
1. True
2. False
8. Who is qualified to perform root canal treatment?
1. General dentists
2. Endodontists
3. Both of the above

Answers

1. a. A root canal is a canal shaped space within the root of a tooth that holds the tooth's pulp — which contains the tooth's nerves and blood vessels.
2. f. — all of the above
3. False. It is possible to have an infection that has stopped hurting but is still present and causing damage.
4. False. Root canal treatment doesn't cause pain, it relieves it.
5. b. The word comes from roots meaning “inside” and “tooth.”
6. a.
7. True. A small opening is made in the chewing surface of your tooth to gain access to the pulp. Dead and dying tissue is removed and the pulp is cleaned and disinfected. The canals are shaped and then sealed with filling materials to prevent future infection.
8. c. All general dentists have received training in endodontic treatment and can perform most endodontic procedures. They often refer people needing complicated root canal treatment to endodontists, who have had specialized training in endodontic diagnosis and treatment.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your questions about root canal treatment. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Common Concerns about Root Canal Treatment.”