Are you concerned because you have been told you need to have a root canal?
At Apple Dental Studio, our Pinner dentist can not only perform a root canal procedure but also ensure that you are completely comfortable whilst doing so. This can be a huge relief to you if you are a more nervous dental patient.
In this short article, our Pinner dentist answers questions about root canals, so you can see that this procedure is nothing to be scared of.
Why would I need a root canal?
Our Pinner dentist will only usually perform a root canal if there is a dental infection underneath a tooth that is relatively stable. So, if you have a dental infection under a tooth that has deteriorated due to decay, this is more likely to result in an extraction.
In less common cases, we may perform a root canal on a tooth that has become damaged by trauma.
How long does the process take?
How long a root canal takes depends entirely on the tooth that it is being performed on and the severity of the infection.
For instance, if you were having a root canal performed on a front tooth, there is likely to only be one root that will need to be cleaned, and this procedure can usually be done within one session. However, if you are having a root canal performed on a molar tooth, which may have more than 4 roots that may be intertwined with each other, this creates an obvious complication, and the treatment may need to be spread out a bit more. In short, we will tell you how long the procedure is likely to take when we examine your mouth and perform x-rays before beginning the process.
Is it uncomfortable?
In a word, no. Root canals should not be uncomfortable, but they have earned this myth due in part to the discomfort that many dental patients are in when they approach their dental team to have the procedure performed.
We will ensure that you are completely numbed before beginning any root canal procedure, and when you are at home afterwards, any discomfort you feel can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Is there any aftercare to be aware of?
When it comes to the aftercare surrounding a root canal, there is very little that will need to be followed.
It is worth noting that for a few days following your root canal, your tooth and surrounding gum may feel slightly sensitive. This is completely normal and is due to a nerve response.
So, you may want to stock up on over-the-counter pain relievers, but be aware that worsening pain is not normal and should be explored by our dental team promptly. If you are planning to whiten your teeth, you will need to wait a minimum of one month after a root canal to have this treatment due to the potential sensitivity that it can cause to a tooth that is already healing.
Will I need to have it redone?
If the root canal is performed by a competent dental team and there are no secondary complications, such as decay occurring on the tooth, then no, you should not need to have your root canal redone.
Many patients who have had root canals report no further incidents with the tooth, as it is less likely to succumb to a secondary dental infection as a result of endodontic treatment.
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