What is a root canal?
- A root canal is a treatment that is performed when an infection has reached the nerve of a tooth.
- During a root canal, a doctor will remove the nerve of the tooth and clean out the canal and then refill the space with a material.
- Often a crown or sometimes a filling needs to be done in addition to the root canal to protect the work that has been done.
- When the doctor recommends a root canal, it means they still believe the tooth is able to be saved. If the patient does not want to save the tooth and would instead want an extraction, a conversation needs to be had with the doctor to see if that is a possibility. We always try to save teeth, so the doctor might not recommend removing a tooth if it is able to be saved.
- Sometimes patients will say they are not having any pain at the time the root canal is treatment planned and so they want to put it off. This is not recommended because the patient could start experiencing pain at any time and it could turn into a dental emergency.
- If that were to happen we can not guarantee we would be able to see the patient for the appointment as soon as they would like and they may have to wait until an availability is open on the schedule.
- Additionally by waiting to get the root canal, more of the tooth could become infected and if the patient waits too long the tooth could become decayed to the point where only an extraction is an option.
- A patient is numb during a root canal so they will not feel any pain during the procedure.
- After a root canal some minor sensitivity is normal and should not last longer than a few days.
- Sometimes patients can experience pain in their jaw due to their mouth remaining open for an extended period of time. This should also not last longer than a few days.
