The following post is a contribution from a PriceDoc Provider defining the root canal procedure in simplified terms. Many thanks to Dr. Becky Coats, for taking the time to answer these questions. We hope this post provides enough information to answer your questions, but if you do have any, ask them in the comments below!
- Definition, in simple terms, of a root canal and any other commonly used names:
- A treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. “Root Canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The procedure removes dental pulp when it has become dead or infected.
- What specific type of Provider (Specialist) offers a root canal?
- A Dentist or Endodontist. Don’t forget to check PriceDoc to find out how much a root canal costs near you!
- Are there new techniques available today for root canals?
- The new techniques in root canal therapy include use of a microscope to better see the inside shape of the nerve space. Also there are newer filling materials such as Resilon that are more similar to filling material that help strengthen the tooth and seal the nerve space better. With the use of newer x-ray technology, some endodontists are utilizing Cone Beam CT principles to see the 3-d dimension of the root for better view of root curves. This newer type of x-ray technique is very new and will become more popular in the future.
- What are the potential risks/side-effects of getting a root canal (if any)?
- New infections might emerge after a root canal due to more than the normally anticipated number of root canals in a tooth, an undetected crack in the root of a tooth, a defective dental restoration that has allowed bacteria to get past the restoration into the inner aspects of the tooth and recontaminate the area, or a breakdown of the inner sealing material over time.
- Do I need any tests and/or exams before getting a root canal (if any)?
- A thorough dental exam and an x-ray is needed to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in a surrounding bone.
- How long does it take to complete the root canal procedure?
- The procedure may be done in one visit or multiple visits; it depends on the condition of the tooth. Each visit may take 1-2 hours.
- What is the recovery timeline from getting a root canal (if any)?
- For the first few days after a root canal the tooth might feel sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation, but most patients can return to their normal activities the next day.
- What do I need to do after a root canal to my tooth?
- You will need to ask your dentist how to protect the top of your tooth after a root canal. This is a critical step. Often people have the root canal completed to remove the source of the pain or infection, however you will need a crown or other type of restoration on your tooth to close the space of the root canal and or protect your tooth from fracture. If the tooth had a crack in it or a large filling to begin with then after the root canal you will need to protect the tooth part to preserve the tooth and the root after the root canal is completed. Please ask your dentist for which option works better for your particular situation.
- You will need to ask your dentist how to protect the top of your tooth after a root canal. This is a critical step. Often people have the root canal completed to remove the source of the pain or infection, however you will need a crown or other type of restoration on your tooth to close the space of the root canal and or protect your tooth from fracture. If the tooth had a crack in it or a large filling to begin with then after the root canal you will need to protect the tooth part to preserve the tooth and the root after the root canal is completed. Please ask your dentist for which option works better for your particular situation.
- What do we know about outcomes for root canals?
- Root canal treatment is highly successful and the procedure has more than a 95% success rate; many teeth fixed with a root canal can last a life time.
Dr. Becky Coats is a native Texan and was born and raised in Lubbock. Dr. Coats provides patients with gentle, quality dental care in her Grapevine practice. She integrates the latest technology and procedures, providing an exceptional dental experience to patients. Dr. Coats enjoys involvement in her community. Away from the office, she likes golfing and watching college basketball.
Again, we extend thanks to Dr. Becky Coats, who took the time to answer these questions for you! Hopefully this information gets you started on your understanding of this procedure. If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments below and we’ll see if he will be available to answer them! (Or, read more on root canals here.) -The PriceDoc Team
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