Root Canal Procedure: Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
- What is a root canal?
- Signs You Need a Root Canal
- How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
- How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
- Root Canal Recovery
- Root Canal vs Extraction
- Signs of Infection After a Root Canal
- Additional Information and Statistics
What is a root canal?
I’m sure most people know what a root canal is already because they tend to get a bad wrap. There has been a long-term belief that root canals are very painful and unbearable. A root canal can be recommended due to fractured tooth structure, deep cavities, and trauma to teeth that cause discoloration or cracks in a tooth that reach the nerve of the tooth. The root canal procedure aims to clean out the problems in the tooth, eliminate the nerve and bacteria, and seal off the canals of the nerve to reduce the risk of infection recurrence.
Emergency root canal treatment is prevalent, arising either from delaying treatment for a problematic tooth or unexpected situations. Emergency root canal treatments can provide immediate pain relief.
What are the signs you need a root canal?
- Hot sensitivity
- Pain that lasts for more than 5 seconds (lingering pain)
- Pain 8/10+ on the scale of 1-10
- Spontaneous severe pain that arises out of nowhere
- If a tooth has been previously root canal treated, signs of reinfection include: biting pain or a pimple on your gums near the tooth or infection around the tooth
How long does a root canal take?
With an experienced doctor or root canal specialist (endodontist), the procedure can be expedited. It depends on the tooth because molars typically have multiple nerve canals, while front teeth usually have one. The time taken for each root canal can vary. A front tooth root canal can be swift and painless. On average, a root canal can take 1-3 hours, but it might require separate appointments, depending on the infection's extent.
How much does a root canal cost?
Costs can vary based on the dentist or whether they're a root canal specialist. The specific tooth also affects the price. On average, a root canal procedure can range from $400-2,000, excluding additional treatments like sealing fillings or crowns. A root canal followed by a crown is often recommended for back teeth due to the stress they undergo during eating.
How is the root canal recovery?
Root canal recovery is typically straightforward. Some might experience soreness or discomfort when biting, but this gradually diminishes. NSAIDs or Tylenol are usually effective for pain management.
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Root Canal vs Extraction
Choosing between a root canal and extraction can be challenging, especially considering the effectiveness of dental implants. In cases of significant cavities or extensive damage, it might be more practical to extract the tooth rather than attempting a complex root canal. If a root canal fails, it might be a better option to extract the tooth and consider an implant. The ideal choice often depends on individual circumstances and age. Preserving natural teeth is always preferable, but not always feasible.
Need a second opinion on such a dilemma? Check out the app “Opinion Two” in the app store or visit www.opiniontwo.org.
What are the signs of infection after a root canal?
Infections post root canal can manifest years later. Common signs include biting pain or a pimple on the gums. If the infection returns, treatment options typically involve tooth extraction or a root canal retreatment. Sometimes, if a cracked tooth undergoes a root canal and the crack extends to the tooth's root, extraction becomes inevitable.
Additional Information and Statistics
A root canal procedure effectively removes infected or diseased pulp from a tooth's root. When left untreated, pulp infections can cause pain, swelling, and tooth loss. Typically performed over two appointments, the dentist first removes the infected pulp. In the subsequent visit, the void in the root is filled with a rubber-like material, and the tooth is restored with a crown or filling.
Though generally safe, there are associated risks like post-procedure infection or pain. Occasionally, unsuccessful root canals might require extraction. Cost varies based on dentist and location, but it's generally pricier than fillings.
Statistics to consider:
- Approximately 15% of U.S. adults have undergone a root canal procedure, as per the American Dental Association.
- Most root canals are performed on adults aged 25 to 54.
- The success rate of root canals is over 95%.
- Though prices can vary, root canals are usually more expensive than fillings.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.