Frequently Asked Root Canal Questions – Jersey City, NJ
We’re Here to Answer Your Questions
If you’re like most people who are preparing for root canal treatment, you have many questions about the process. You may wonder how long the procedure will take or what can be expected when you return home from the dentist’s office. No matter the question, our team is here with the answers. Take a few moments and review the following list, and if you still need further information, feel free to call our office.
IS IT PAINFUL TO UNDERGO ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Many patients believe that root canals cause pain, not eliminate it, but that is not true. The reason for the discomfort is an infection that exists within the innermost layer of your tooth – the pulp. When damaged or inflamed, it causes significant pain because of the many nerve pathways that exist.
When removing the pulp as part of a root canal procedure, we can eliminate the cause of your pain. The actual procedure will have you receiving local anesthesia, so you will feel nothing during treatment.
WHY SEE AN ENDODONTIST FOR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Some dentists undergo additional training to provide root canal treatment; however, endodontists go beyond the standard three years of dental school to pursue an additional 2-3 years of specialized training. In becoming endodontists, they can safely use advanced technologies to administer treatment that other general dentists cannot – a factor that allows for more accurate results and happier patients.
WHY CAN’T I JUST HAVE A TOOTH EXTRACTED?
Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is key. You only get one set, so doing everything possible to avoid extraction is what you can expect our team to do. Although it might seem as if extracting the tooth will be easier, the reality is that there is much money, time, and maintenance that comes with tooth replacement.
The removal of the tooth is just the beginning, as you’ll need to replace it so that your remaining healthy teeth do not shift out of alignment. Dentures, dental implants, and dental bridges are all viable options and highly effective, but they should not be sought out as an alternative to root canal treatment.
HOW LONG WILL A ROOT CANAL TAKE?
Depending on the severity of the infection and the type of tooth that is affected, it is likely that your procedure will take 1-2 hours to complete. In most situations, the complete process is finished in just one visit to our dental office; however, if more than one tooth is infected, you may be required to return for a second appointment.
WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID A ROOT CANAL IN THE FUTURE?
If you want to avoid needing another root canal in the future, you’ll want to make sure that you take proper care of your teeth. This means adopting a good oral hygiene routine at home, continuing to see your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings, minimizing the amount of sugar and starch in your diet, and wearing proper mouth protection while playing sports.