Concerned About an Upcoming Root Canal? 5 Common Endodontic Questions Answered by a Dentist

Concerned About an Upcoming Root Canal? 5 Common Endodontic Questions Answered by a Dentist

Root Canal

When you have suffered from a dental infection, the chances are that your dentist will suggest two options to you. If the infection was due to extensive amounts of decay and the tooth cannot be restored, they will suggest an extraction or removal of the entire tooth. But, if the decay is not extensive, or the infection was due to damage in the enamel, then your dental team is highly likely to suggest that you undertake a root canal or endodontics.

Don’t panic! Despite what you may have heard, root canals are fairly straightforward and are a great way to ensure that infections are removed from your tooth.

As you will probably discover during your initial research into the procedure, your dentist Wagga Wagga will have performed this procedure multiple times. Be aware, however, that during the initial X-rays and other tests that if they discover that you have abnormally shaped roots, that they will probably refer you to an endodontic specialist.

Abnormally shaped roots can increase the chances of errors with your root canal, but a skilled professional will minimize these risks.

But what are some of the most common questions about root canals? Here, the most common 5 are answered!

Is the procedure uncomfortable?

In short, no. Your dentist will numb your mouth before beginning the root canal. During it, you may feel a sensation of pressure underneath the tooth it is being performed on; this is normal. Post-treatment, it may feel slightly bruised, but following a dental infection, the discomfort will be minimal!

How long will it take?

This depends on the tooth that is being treated and how extensive the infection is.

If you are having a root canal carried out on a tooth with 1 root, you can expect it to take up to 90 minutes. If you are having it performed on a tooth with 2 roots, it can take 90 minutes per root, which will be spread over 2 sessions.

Dentist

I heard the tooth is dead after it has had a root canal – is this true?

No, it isn’t. The purpose of a root canal is to restore the tooth; once finished, you will be able to physically feel the tooth when you bite into or chew food. A root canal does not cause discoloration either, so your tooth will not turn black.

How long will it last?

If performed correctly and provided that you visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up so they can keep an eye on it, a root canal should last the rest of your life without further issue. Should you have concerns that there is a problem with the tooth or the root canal, please contact your dental team for a check-up.

Will the infection come back?

It is exceedingly unlikely that an infection will return. Studies have found that root canals fail in less than 1% of cases, and it is usually due to misshapen roots or other complications that occur during the procedure.

DISCLAIMER

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on this website.

Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress.