by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Feb 18, 2019 | Blog, Endodontist, Root Canal
For many years, root canals were portrayed in popular culture as uncomfortable, complicated dental treatments. Advancements in technology and technique have enabled endodontic specialists to streamline the root canal process and reduce discomfort during and after the procedure.
How Long Will My Root Canal Take?
Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments with the endodontist. The steps involved in performing the root canal include:
- The endodontist examines your tooth and makes a radiograph of it using X-rays.
- The area around the tooth to be treated receives a local anesthetic.
- A rubber dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and saliva-free.
- The endodontist accesses the roots of your tooth by making an opening in the crown.
- The tooth root canals are cleaned using special instruments.
- After the cleaning, the pulp in the canals is replaced with a biocompatible material.
- A temporary filling is placed on top of the canals near the top of the tooth.
There are several important things to note about the general timeline for your root canal.
- You will need to visit your general dentist for an additional appointment to have a permanent crown placed over the root canal.
- The endodontist may need additional time if they need to place a post in the tooth to shore up its structure during the root canal.
- The root canal may need to be retreated later if there is an undetected crack in the tooth, or if a canal is missed during the initial cleaning procedure.
“Root canals are cost-effective treatments for injured or infected teeth, and the time commitment needed to have one is minimal,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “If you have questions about how long your root canal might take, please contact our office.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Dec 26, 2018 | Blog, Endodontics, Root Canal
By the time your endodontist says you need a root canal, you may not care about the details of the procedure – you may simply want the pain in your mouth to stop. However, understanding what happens when a root canal is performed can lead to a better outcome.
Root Canals, Step By Step
- Your dentist or endodontist determines a root canal is needed. Root canals may be performed if your tooth pulp has become infected due to decay, a cracked tooth, or other reasons. You may have symptoms such as a severe toothache, long-lasting sensitivity to hot or cold (long after the stimulus is removed), discoloration of the tooth, pain in the gums surrounding the tooth, or a reoccurring pimple on the gums near the tooth.
- The tooth is X-rayed and the gums surrounding it are numbed. As part of the procedure, your endodontist will also place a dental dam around the tooth to protect it from saliva.
- A small hole is drilled in the crown of the tooth. This allows the endodontist to access the infected tooth pulp and/or the abcess.
- Your endodontist uses specialized tools to clean your tooth roots. These small tools do an important job: removing all infected pulp. They can also be used to shape the canals, preparing them for the next step.
- The cleaned root canals are filled with a special material to prevent additional infection. Most of the time, the biocompatible material used is a rubber-like compound called gutta-percha. An adhesive material ensures the canal is completely sealed.
- If the affected tooth has weak internal structure, a post may be added to strengthen it. This ensures the restoration will remain in place permanently.
- A temporary filling is placed on the tooth. This protects the root canal until your follow-up visit.
- Several weeks later, a permanent crown is placed on the tooth. This last step is crucial, providing durable protection for the root canal treatment.
“Each step in the root canal process serves an important function,” says Allen, an endodontist in practice with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Our staff is happy to explain what you will experience during a root canal, and respond to any concerns you may have.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Oct 22, 2018 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
Your experience after a root canal may be as unique as the circumstances that led to your need for the procedure. After your root canal, your endodontist will likely send you home with instructions for how to care for your teeth until a permanent crown can be placed. These instructions might cover pain management, brushing and flossing, and tips for retaining your temporary crown.
One of the post-procedural questions that may be at the top of your mind is when you can go back to work. The simple answer is usually, “the day after your procedure.” However, several factors can influence this time estimate.
3 Post-Root Canal Questions To Answer Before You Return To Work
- How much post-procedure pain are you experiencing? You may experience discomfort after the root canal, but often it can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Serious pain can indicate that you may need to follow up with your endodontist.
- Is your temporary crown still in place? You will need to have the crown replaced if it falls out.
- Does your work situation allow you to control what you eat? You’ll want to eat soft, cool, bland foods and chew on the side of the mouth opposite the root canal.
“Most adults can go back to work within a day of their root canal,” says Dr. Allen an endodontist who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group, “However, it’s crucial not to rush that return so much that you miss a symptom your endodontist needs to know about.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Sep 25, 2018 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
Modern root canals are very effective treatments for natural teeth endangered by injury, decay or disease. The procedure has a success rate well above 90 percent. In those first few days after a root canal, though, your attention may be drawn to more immediate concerns, including what to eat as your mouth heals.
How you eat and what you eat are two key pieces of your root canal aftercare. Following the guidelines below can help ensure your recovery goes smoothly.
Foods To Avoid After Your Root Canal
- Raw vegetables. Normally health enhancing, crunchy snacks such as carrots and celery should be temporarily taken off your menu.
- Nuts. Again, this category of food is usually on the health friendly list, but they are simply too hard for your newly treated tooth to handle.
- Hard candy. Even if your intention is to suck on these sweet treats instead of chew them, there is always the risk that the candy could shatter or put too much pressure on the treated area.
- Chewing gum. The main danger of using chewing gum after a root canal is that it could pull out your temporary filling, which is essential to preventing infection until a permanent crown can be placed.
- Excessively hot foods or drinks. Items such as hot coffee, soup or tea may cause painful sensitivity during the healing period.
Foods that are generally safe to eat after a root canal include ice cream, soft fruits such as bananas and mangoes, yogurt, milkshakes, oatmeal and soft cereals free of any nuts. It is also very important to chew on the side of the mouth opposite your tooth receiving root canal treatment, and to eat slowly.
“The healing period for a root canal is not especially lengthy, but it is important to eat with care during that time to avoid damaging the work your endodontist has done,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group.
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Aug 24, 2018 | Blog, Endodontics, Root Canal
Root canals are a type of endodontic procedure designed to save a patient’s natural tooth. An endodontic specialist or a general dentist treats an injured or infected tooth by cleaning the canals of the tooth root of their pulp and replacing it with a compound known as gutta-percha.
This procedure has a success rate upwards of 90 percent and can make a dramatic positive difference in a patient’s oral health. However, if you’ve been referred to an endodontist for a root canal, it’s only natural to wonder what your recovery period will look like. We asked Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, an endodontist who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group, to explain what most patients can expect after a root canal.
Root Canal Recovery: What To Expect
- Your root canal should lessen any tooth-related pain you have been feeling. Some extra sensitivity may remain if you were previously feeling pain from an infection or injury, but that should respond to over-the-counter or prescription painkillers.
- You will need to avoid chewing with the treated tooth at first. Your root canal will have a temporary filling on top of it to seal the canals, but until you receive a permanent restoration such as a crown, you will need to minimize chewing with the treated tooth.
- You will want to continue your usual oral self-care regimen. Brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain the health of your entire mouth. Follow your dental provider’s recommended schedule for follow up appointments once your restoration is in place.
- You may return to normal activities the day after your root canal. You should be able to return to work or participate in most types of recreational activities you may have scheduled.
Despite advances in endodontic clinical technique and dental technology, not all root canals are successful. If a canal is not found and filled during the initial procedure, or if the tooth is challenged by a new infection or injury later on, you may need a root canal retreatment. It’s essential to alert your endodontist if discomfort returns to the tooth treated by the root canal.
“Many patients suffer unnecessary anxiety related to recovery from their root canal,” says Dr. Allen. “But recovery goes smoothly for most people, and a patient only has to observe a few extra precautions to ensure the success of their procedure.”
by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jul 26, 2018 | Blog, Endodontics, Endodontist, Phoenix Endodontic Group, Root Canal
Just as it is important to be an informed consumer when you go shopping, if you have been referred to a Phoenix endodontist for a root canal, you should ask questions of your provider about the procedure. Your experience with the root canal may be more pleasant and less confusing if you take the time to arm yourself with accurate answers to the following three questions.
Top 3 Questions To Ask Your Phoenix Endodontist About Your Root Canal
- What is the reason for my root canal? There are many reasons an endodontist might use root canal treatment to save your natural tooth: you could be experiencing a challenge to your tooth pulp due to a cracked or chipped tooth, advanced tooth decay, dental trauma that knocked your tooth out of the socket, or a bacterial infection. Understanding the cause may help avoid the need to perform root canals on other teeth.
- How much experience do you have performing root canals? With the average general dentist providing two root canals per week and the average Phoenix endodontist averaging 25 procedures per week, it helps to know how experienced your provider is. Studies show that patients who had their root canal performed by an endodontist experienced treatment success in 98 percent of all cases.
- How can I participate in making my root canal successful? Once you are clear on why your root canal is being performed and your provider’s experience level, one of the most crucial questions you can ask relates to what YOU can do to help make it successful. Almost all root canals need a final restoration after the procedure to ensure the root canal succeeds, so your commitment to having that work completed is essential.
“If you want to boost the chances that your root canal will be successful, you can do more than just make an appointment with a qualified Phoenix endodontist – please ask questions,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontics Group. “Your participation makes you an active part of your treatment team.”
