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1st Root Canal - Frequently Asked Questions |
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Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions
Internet Dental Alliance
| Q. |
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| A. |
When the nerve of a tooth
becomes irreversibly damaged -- due to decay, trauma, or a crack in the
tooth -- you'll need
root canal treatment
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| Q.
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How
can the dentist tell if I need a root canal?
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| A. |
Often nerve damage causes
tooth
pain, swelling and sensitivity to hot or cold. You may also notice that the
tooth is becoming darker in color. Sometimes, it can only be diagnosed with
an X-ray or other tests.
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| Q. |
What
happens during a root canal?
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| A. |
During
root canal treatment, the dentist cleans out the infected pulp tissue within the roots. After all
the nerve has been removed, the canals are filled with a sealer.
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| Q. |
How
long will it take?
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| A. |
Usually, root canal therapy
takes one or two appointments for a front tooth (anterior), and two or three
appointments for a back tooth (posterior). A tooth can have from one to four
roots and all the roots must be treated.
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| Q. |
After the root canal is finished, will the tooth need more work?
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| A. |
The tooth is more brittle
after a
root canal and requires a permanent restoration. This could range
from a simple tooth filling to a large build-up with posts and pins. If the
tooth filling is large, the tooth may also need a crown to protect the tooth from
breaking.
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| Q. |
Why
not just take out the tooth?
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| A. |
It's usually healthier and
less expensive to save the tooth with
root canal
treatment. Replacing an extracted tooth involves
either expensive bridgework or a partial denture. If the tooth is extracted
and not replaced, adjoining teeth can move into the empty space, creating
even more problems.
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| Q. |
Will root
canal treatment be painful?
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| A. |
Your tooth will be numb
during the treatment. If your tooth was aching or sensitive prior to
treatment, it may take a few days for the tooth to get back to feeling
normal. You can take a mild painkiller during that time. If it's necessary,
something stronger will be prescribed. If the tooth had been badly infected,
you may need to take an antibiotic.
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| Q. |
How
much will it a Root Canal ost?
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| A. |
The cost of
root canal
treatment
usually depends on the number of canals which are infected and need
treatment. There will be a separate charge for the restoration, which will
vary from the cost of a simple filling to a crown. All expected treatment
charges will be discussed with you before treatment. |
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