Hello! Have you heard about a root canal? Some folks, I heard, are scared of root canals. I'm Dr. Myrna Lazaga here in San Diego. Today, we're going to talk about root canals because we receive a lot of questions regarding this, and we'll try to answer those questions to give you a better understanding of root canals.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a procedure that we use when you have a tooth that is bothering you or you're in pain, aching pain on a certain tooth, or you have an infection in the roots of the tooth. In order to save that tooth, instead of taking it out or pulling it out, we do a root canal to get rid of the infection and at the same time save the tooth and get you out of pain.
What are some signs that you may need a root canal?
The number one sign that you may need a root canal is pain, like aching pain in a certain tooth. Another thing you will also notice when a tooth is dying is that it becomes discolored, starting to get darker than the rest of your teeth. Additionally, if you have big decay or a cavity that you just neglected, it won't get better but will get worse, and then you'll end up with a root canal.
Can a root canal save a cracked tooth?
A root canal can save a cracked tooth in some cases. It depends on how big the crack is. If the crack involves the roots already, then it might not be a good idea to do a root canal, and at that time, the tooth may not be savable anymore.
When is it too late for a root canal?
It is too late to have a root canal if you have decay or a cavity that involves the root of the tooth because the root will not be vital enough to hold the restorative material after we do a root canal.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
The first thing is we have to make sure you're numb. Then we open the tooth, remove the decay, and access the canal where the nerve is. We clean it using special instruments, and after cleaning it, we fill it, which is like filling down to the root. Afterwards, we usually wait about a week because sometimes, with the vibration, the tooth can still be sore after a couple of days.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
You definitely need a crown because once you have a root canal, the tooth is dead. When a tooth is dead, it's brittle, which means you're susceptible to getting it fractured.
What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
The type of anesthesia we use during the procedure is usually just local anesthesia, like lidocaine, and we make sure that you're numb in that area so we can proceed with the procedure with you in comfort.
How safe is a root canal?
A root canal is safe because we deal with the root of the tooth, and it's like a filling. The only difference is that it fills up to the tip of the root.
How do I prepare for a root canal?
You can prepare for a root canal by making sure you get good rest because you'll be opening your mouth wide, which will help. At the same time, be relaxed, and we make sure you're comfortable so it will be easy on you and also easy on us.
How will I feel after a root canal?
After the root canal, you might still be numb because we make sure you're numb when we start to avoid discomfort. After the root canal, there should not be much discomfort. When you're in pain because you need a root canal, it's a relief on your part.
Will my tooth be sensitive after?
The tooth we just did a root canal on should not be sensitive to temperature like cold or hot. However, sometimes you might notice it's a little sore because of the vibration when we clean the tooth and from opening wide, which could cause more discomfort than sensitivity.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Recovery from a root canal will only take about 24 hours. Sometimes we don't do the restorative part right away because the material we use to seal it takes 24 hours to set. In most cases, I would let the patient come back in a week to recover from any soreness from opening wide during the procedure, which helps them.
What is the best way to recover after a root canal?
The best way to recover after a root canal is to use moist heat on your cheek where you had the root canal or on the other side if you're sore from opening. Another recommendation is to rinse with warm salt water, about one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water, to help the area heal faster. The root canal allows you to still have your tooth saved, and in cases where the tooth is not savable, we have to pull it out and consider an implant to replace it. Root canals allow you to keep your own tooth, while an implant requires you to be without a tooth for a while, as it takes weeks to heal and stabilize the implant. The root canal restores the tooth relatively quickly, whereas an implant can take 3 to 6 months.
Why are dental crowns recommended after a root canal?
A dental crown is highly recommended after a root canal because, as mentioned, when a tooth has had a root canal, it tends to be brittle. To avoid fracturing a tooth you've invested in saving with a root canal, we must protect it from fracturing because a dead tooth is brittle.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of a root canal varies. For a front tooth with one root and one canal, it differs and is easier to do. However, for a molar area with three roots and sometimes four canals, it gets more expensive due to the difficulty of access. The cost varies depending on which tooth needs a root canal.
Now, we've tried to answer your questions as much as we could, but if you have any more questions, please feel free to call our office at (619) 377-7586 for a complimentary exam. Thank you.