10 FAQs About Root Canals [VIDEO]
Root canals have a not-so-great reputation. They’re often associated with pain.
But do they really live up to the expectation?
After all, this endodontic procedure SAVES your tooth.
Isn’t that a good thing?
Get the answers to the top FAQs about root canals below!
1. What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth that has an infection on the inside (the pulp).
Similar to a dental filling, a root canal involves:
- Removing decay and infection from within the pulp chamber and root canals
- Disinfecting the area
- Filling it with a biocompatible material and sealing it off
2. Do root canals hurt?
Short answer:
No, root canals do not hurt.
The truth is:
The pain associated with root canals stems from the infection, not the procedure. In fact, getting a root canal will get you out of pain, sometimes instantaneously.
Before the treatment begins, the area surrounding your tooth will be numbed. You won’t feel anything!
3. How long does a root canal take?
A root canal takes 60 to 90 minutes on average.
Here’s what to expect:
- X-rays are taken to determine if a root canal is your best option
- Your dentist will numb your tooth and surrounding area
- A protective dental dam is placed around the tooth
- Your dentist makes a small opening in the crown of the tooth
- Decay and infection are removed from within
- The space left behind is disinfected
- Your tooth is filled and sealed to prevent reinfection
- A temporary or permanent crown is placed to restore your tooth’s appearance, strength, and functionality
Learn About Root Canals in Waldorf, MD
4. What is best, root canal or extraction?
Quick answer:
A root canal is better than an extraction.
Why?
While there are many excellent tooth replacement options, there’s no substitute for a natural tooth. Plus, there are little to no future complications following a root canal.
Whereas with a tooth extraction, if you don’t replace that missing tooth, you put yourself at risk for issues like:
- Teeth shifting out of place
- Trouble speaking and chewing
- Bite and jaw alignment problems
- Bone loss
- Premature aging
Plus:
Tooth extractions are usually more painful… This text opens a new tab to the American Association of Endodontists website… than a root canal!
So the best thing you can do is save your remaining healthy tooth structure with root canal therapy.
5. Can I wait for a root canal?
Ask any reputable dentist, and they’ll tell you:
Do not wait to get a root canal done.
The longer you put off getting a root canal, the more you’re at risk for experiencing pain, worsening symptoms, and allowing the infection to spread – potentially to other teeth or parts of your body.
6. Should I get a second opinion on a root canal?
If you were told you need a root canal and want another dentist’s opinion, then book a second opinion consultation.
The second dentist will either confirm your original diagnosis or provide you with their alternative recommendations. From there, you can make an informed decision or seek out a third opinion.
When in doubt, trust your gut.
Or better yet:
Check out this article with advice on when to seek a dentist’s second opinion.
Read: 16 Signs You Should Get a Second Opinion
7. How do I know if I need a root canal?
Sometimes, root canal symptoms are obvious. This includes:
- Severe toothache pain
- Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
Other times, there are no outwardly visible or physical signs. This may be confusing when a dentist tells you you need one. But more than likely, your x-ray will clearly indicate you have an infected tooth.
8. Can you eat after a root canal?
Yes! Once the numbing agent wears off, typically within two to three hours, you can eat again.
However:
While you’re healing and until you get your permanent crown, it’s recommended you:
- Stick to a soft-food diet
- Chew on the opposite side of treatment until you’re healed
- Eat slowly
- Avoid really hot foods and drinks
9. Can you drive after a root canal?
Yes! Most root canals are performed with a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. This shouldn’t impair your ability to drive or return to normal activities.
However, if you receive sedation mediation, you may be unable to drive following your appointment. You will need someone to drive you home.
10. Can you smoke after a root canal?
It’s recommended you don’t smoke for at least 24 hours after receiving a root canal.
Truthfully:
It’s recommended you stop smoking altogether. Smokers are two times more likely… This text opens a new tab to the American Association of Endodontists website… to need root canals than non-smokers. This statistic only increases with more years of smoking too!
Looking for a root canal dentist in Waldorf, MD?
Contact The Silberman Dental Group!
Dr. Paul Silberman and Dr. Daniel Barakh offer free consultations and second opinions for root canals.
Patients love our root canal therapy because we:
- Prioritize your comfort
- Complete the treatment in one visit
- Offer CEREC same-day crowns to save you time
- Customize your crown to look and feel like a natural tooth
We’ve even had patients fall asleep during the procedure because we help them feel that relaxed and comfortable.
Or you can:
- Request a virtual consultation
- Call us: 301-885-2505
- Email us: smiles@silbermandentalgroup.com
Our dentists are located in Waldorf, MD and see patients from across the state, including Charlotte Hall, White Plains, La Plata, Brandywine, Accokeek, and Mechanicsville.
Hello Dr. Silberman,
On June 23, I had a dental cleaning. Before and after the cleaning, I had mild tenderness in the gum around a couple of molars. Nothing particularly concerning.
By the end of that week, I started having pain in a tooth that had a failed root canal & has been retreated (tooth #3). I rinsed my mouth several times with warm to hot salt water. I also made the mistake of continuing to eat sweets (chocolate, cookies).
The pain kept increasing and by July 1st, it was unbearable. The pain was radiating from the tooth in all directions (the right ear & eye, the lower jaw, the cheek). Biting down and chewing triggered intense pain in the tooth. Laying down increased the pain and disturbed my sleep. I haven’t had any swelling and no cold/hot sensitivity. I took ibuprofen, acetaminophen, tried Orajel mouthwashes, cloves, clove oil… Sometimes, I would get temporary relief but most things did not help.
I returned to the dentist on July 2nd. They took an X-Ray, examined tooth #3, and said it is an infection. They gave me a prescription for amoxicillin and a referral for an endodontist. I immediately started the antibiotic. I’m on day 3 and a half, and the pain has not improved at all.
At first, holding ice water in the mouth helped with the pain. But now, it no longer helps. Ibuprofen is the only medicine that lowers the pain. I tried alternating 600 mg ibuprofen with 1000 mg acetaminophen, but acetaminophen does not have any effect on the pain. I don’t want to take too much ibuprofen, as I already have issues with GERD and acid reflux.
My questions:
_What can I do to decrease the pain?
_Is it safe to take 600 mg ibuprofen every 4 hours, instead of alternating with acetaminophen?
_What can explain why the ice water is no longer decreasing the pain?
_What are the treatment options for a tooth that’s been root canaled twice?
_Beginning of June, I had inflammation in the right eye (uveitis?) and was prescribed steroids drops. It’s the first time I get this and the cause was unclear. Is it possible that the dental infection caused the inflammation in the eye?
Thank you in advance! This website is very helpful!
Hello Nyota, (I’m not sure if that’s the correct name but it’s what appeared on your email.) I will respond to your narrative first and then your questions. You mentioned applying heat to your face when the toothache started, and now you realize that was the wrong move to make. I’m just mentioning this for the benefit of others who may be reading this. “Never apply heat during a toothache” is the topic of one of my postings. You also mentioned sensitivity to sweets. And you said that you had some relief with ice water held in your mouth, but now it’s not working. Your upper right first molar has had root canal therapy twice. That tooth can no longer respond to either sweets or cold application. Therefore, I suspect another tooth as the culprit. It is possible that this tooth is failing (possibly a cracked root), so you may have more than one issue going simultaneously. Amoxicillin is not my first choice for tooth infection. I prefer Clindamycin as the antibiotic of choice because Amoxicillin just does not work very well. Amoxicillin is the standard of care and the “go to” antibiotic in my profession, so I don’t blame the clinician for prescribing it. And the reality is, in your case, it is what I would have prescribed given your history of GERD and acid reflux (contraindication for Clindamycin). To answer your questions: For pain, you can increase the Ibuprofen to 800mg every 8 hours but I would not take it more frequently. I would still alternate it will Tylenol 1,000mg every 8 hours, alternating every four hours with the Ibuprofen. It may be helping on a subclinical level that could be more apparent with the increased Ibuprofen dose. I can’t say why the ice water isn’t helping any more. It could be that the infection is growing and the Amoxicillin just isn’t cutting it. You should be taking 500mg of Amoxicillin every 8 hours. If you are only taking 250mg every 8 hours, that could be the problem. If you are taking 500mg, you might want to switch to Clindamycin 150mg every 6 hours, and monitor your GERD closely. If you can’t tolerate it, go back to Amoxicillin. As I mentioned, I suspect another tooth. As for the root canal tooth, you might need an extraction, bone graft and implant. That would be your next option. As for the question about your eye inflammation being caused by the tooth infection, it is very possible. I hope that helps. Let me know how you’re doing in the next few weeks. I’ve been answering questions from around the world for 8 years, but with Ai, the questions are getting fewer. Where in the world are you? Good luck, Dr. Silberman
Thanks for the prompt & detailed response, Dr. Silberman. Yes, it is helpful.
I did not suspect another tooth could be involved, since I feel most of the pain in the root canaled tooth.
I’m in Arkansas. I will give you an update in a few weeks. Thanks again!
Nyota