Root Canal FAQs

Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?
Do root canals require a lot of visits to the Endodontist?
Why would I need a root canal procedure?
Can all teeth be treated endodontically?
Do root canals involve removing the roots of the tooth?
Can pregnant women have root canal treatment?
If the tooth doesn’t hurt, is a root canal still needed?
Will I need to return to my general dentist after the root canal?

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Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?

Once the dental pulp is diseased, the only alternative to root canal treatment is extraction. Replacing the tooth with a bridge, implant, or a partial denture is generally more costly than the root canal treatment and crown.

Do root canals require a lot of visits to the Endodontist?

With today’s cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one visit.

Why would I need a root canal procedure?

Treatment is necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. If left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to a tooth abscess.

Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold liquids, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums, and biting or chewing pain.

Can all teeth be treated endodontically?

Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the tooth or root is fractured, the tooth does not have adequate bone support or the tooth cannot be restored. If this occurs, we will go over all of your options.

Do root canals involve removing the roots of the tooth?

That is a myth. Root canal treatment involves removing the soft tissue (pulp) from inside the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed. The roots are what holds your tooth in your jaw bone.

Can pregnant women have root canal treatment?

Pregnant women can and do have root canal treatment. We would consult with your OB-GYN prior to treatment. Most physicians would prefer to have an infected tooth treated vs. being left alone.

If the tooth doesn’t hurt, is a root canal still needed?

Yes! Not all teeth that require root canal treatment will have symptoms of pain. You can have an infected/abscessed tooth (as seen on x-rays) but no signs of pain or swelling present.

Will I need to return to my general dentist after the root canal?

Yes! When your treatment is completed in our office, we put a temporary filling in the crown of your tooth. You must return to your general dentist promptly for a permanent restoration (filling/crown).