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Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why would I need a root canal?

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.

Q. How can the dentist tell if I need a root canal?

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.

Q. What happens during a root canal?

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.

Q. How long will it take?

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.

Q. After the root canal is finished, will the tooth need more work?

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 dental crown to protect the tooth from breaking.

Q. Why not just take out the tooth?

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.

Q. Will root canal treatment be painful?

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.

Q. How much will it a Root Canal cost?

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.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

A Root Canal Abscess

What Causes an Endodontic Abscess?

An endodontic abscess is caused by infected pulpal tissue. This acute disease process then spreads to the outside of the root and enters the bone and soft tissues around the tooth. An endodontic abscess is oftentimes accompanied by a cascade of symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• Pain to hot liquids, touch, or biting pressure.
• Pressure that partially pushes the tooth out of the socket, causing it to contact the opposing tooth first upon biting.
• A loose tooth resulting from infection and subsequent pressure that builds around the outside of the tooth.
• Swelling localized to the tissue around the tooth.
• Swelling that spreads from the gums around the tooth into the cheek, lips, or neck areas. These tissues can become swollen resulting in an exaggerated asymmetry of the face.

In cases of extreme dental infection, the eye can become swollen shut or breathing can become difficult as pressure builds against vital structures. In these instances of severe infection, hospitalization may become necessary.

What Is Involved in the Emergency Management of an Abscessed Tooth?

An endodontic abscess can be extremely painful and emergency treatment is directed towards promptly relieving the patient's pain and, if present, reducing the swelling as quickly as possible. Emergency management would usually include getting the area profoundly numb and then creating a small window through the biting surface of the tooth and into the pulpal space. By opening the tooth in this manner, the dentist can relieve the pressure that has built up inside the tooth and allow the infected area to drain. Usually, the only procedures that are performed at the emergency visit are the ones that are necessary to eliminate acute pain and control the infection. Subsequent care an endodontic abscess will be necessary when the patient is more comfortable and relaxed in order to properly complete root canal treatment. At the conclusion of the emergency visit, the patient may require medications for pain and/or infection control and these will be prescribed by the doctor if they are necessary.

By Clifford J. Ruddle, DDS, in collaboration with Philip M. Smith, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.