Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals

The idea that root canals are painful took hold decades ago, back when the procedure was far more primitive than it is now. According to the American Association of Endodontists, modern technology and better anesthetics have changed that entirely, and most patients today report very little discomfort. Dr. Raffi walks patients through every step, which goes a long way toward easing anxiety.

Thanks to modern techniques and digital imaging, most root canal procedures can be completed in just one or two office visits. Keep in mind that the length of the procedure and the number of appointments depend on several factors specific to each patient and tooth.

Unfortunately, the only way to resolve a root canal infection is to physically remove it from the canal inside the tooth. Antibiotics can help suppress symptoms such as biting pain beforehand, and they may reduce post treatment discomfort, but they cannot cure the infection itself. Because the source sits deep inside the tooth where there is no blood supply, there is simply no way to deliver the medication to it.

There is no evidence that root canals cause illness of any kind. In fact, research shows that people who have had a root canal are no more likely to develop illness than those who have never needed one.

A tooth can need root canal treatment even when it feels perfectly fine. Dr. Raffi uses simple tests and X-rays to tell whether the pulp inside has become infected or damaged. When it has, a root canal is what saves the tooth, whether or not there is any pain to signal the problem.

In many cases, insurance covers all or most of the cost of your treatment. Have your plan details ready when you call to schedule, and we will be able to give you a clearer picture of your coverage.

The cost of endodontic therapy depends on several factors, chief among them how severely the tooth has been damaged. As a rule, saving an infected tooth is far more cost effective than letting the infection spread or removing the tooth and replacing it with an artificial one.

Most treatments are done with local anesthetic, which does not affect your ability to drive. If you were given a medicine to help you relax, however, you will need someone to bring you to and from your appointment on the day of the procedure.

You may receive prescriptions for antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or pain medication to keep you comfortable. Every patient is different, so any prescriptions are tailored to suit your specific needs.

Holding on to your natural tooth for as long as possible matters for healthy eating and chewing. Endodontic treatment paired with a suitable restoration is a cost-effective way to treat a tooth in need, and it costs less than extracting the tooth and replacing it.

Remember that endodontic treatment carries a very high success rate, and many root canal treated teeth last a lifetime. By contrast, placing a bridge or a dental implant takes considerably more treatment time and can involve further procedures on the neighboring teeth and supporting tissues.

Millions of healthy, endodontically treated teeth continue serving patients all over the world, in many cases decades after treatment. Those patients chew comfortably and keep the natural appearance of their smiles, all because the tooth was saved rather than replaced.

There are, of course, cases where a tooth simply cannot be saved. In those situations, Dr. Raffi can remove the tooth and replace it with a dental implant.

Scheduling a visit with Dr. Raffi after your root canal is very important. Once the procedure is finished and the pulp has been removed, the tooth becomes more vulnerable to fracture. A permanent restoration protects it from both fracturing and contamination, which is why Dr. Raffi asks you to return within 3 weeks of your root canal.

We take x-rays only when they are needed to guide the best possible treatment. Our advanced system is fully digital and delivers up to 80 percent less radiation than traditional dental x-rays, which were already very low dose. The images can also be enlarged on screen, which helps Dr. Raffi spot small problems early.

Once your root canal therapy is complete, the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling, and you should schedule your next visit with us within 3 weeks. Then Dr. Raffi will explain which permanent restoration will best protect your tooth, usually a crown, and the appointments involved. Complications after routine root canal treatment are rare, but if one does arise, our team is here to help.