Hi, welcome back. I'm Dr. Jacobs, and I know hearing the words "root canal" can make just about anyone feel a little nervous, but I'm here to reassure you it is not as scary as it sounds. In fact, root canals can be very gentle, and it's an effective way to relieve pain and protect your natural smile. In today's video, I'll be answering some of the most common questions regarding root canals so you can be more informed, at ease, and confident about your oral care.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is actually very simple. It involves removing the nerve. Inside the tooth, there is nerve-like tissue, similar to how your skull contains tissue, which is the brain. The tooth has tissue, which is the nerve. A root canal involves removing the tissue that is inside your tooth. Very simple.
What are the signs that you may need a root canal?
Some signs that indicate you may need a root canal are pain, sensitivity to cold or hot, inability to chew, swelling, and pretty much anything that makes your tooth act up is a time to see a dentist to determine if you need a root canal.
What happens if you don't get a root canal?
Many things can happen if you don't get a root canal. Most of the time, root canals are needed because you have a large cavity that has reached the nerve, causing inflammation and pain. If ignored, it can lead to swelling, ranging from mild to very severe, requiring immediate medical attention. Don't ignore toothaches. It's too late for a root canal if your tooth breaks. If a big cavity reaches the nerve and is ignored, the cavity grows, the hole in the tooth enlarges, and the tooth may break. By the time you visit the dentist, it may be too late. Ignoring it will likely result in losing the tooth.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
A root canal procedure can last anywhere from half an hour to about an hour and a half. There are many ways to make you feel comfortable. We use local anesthetics, essentially injections that numb you, and sometimes we sedate our patients using various methods to ensure comfort.
What is the process of a root canal?
The process of a root canal is quite simple. We make an opening in the tooth to access the nerve. We have special tools that quickly remove the nerve. Once the nerve is removed, there is a hole left where the nerve used to be. We use special materials to seal that hole to prevent bacteria from growing. That's all a root canal is: removing the tissue and then sealing the hole.
Why do you need a crown after a root canal?
Sometimes people wonder why they need a crown after a root canal. The modern theory is simple. A good analogy is a garden hose. A tooth has a nerve with a blood supply, similar to water in a garden hose. When the water is on, the hose is rigid, much like the blood feeding your nerve and keeping it alive. When you perform a root canal, you remove the nerve and blood supply, akin to turning off the water and draining the hose. The hose becomes flimsy. A tooth that has had a root canal loses hydrostatic pressure. When the tooth bends, it can snap. It is very important to get a crown on your root canal-treated tooth, especially the molars.
What care is needed after a root canal?
After a root canal, you generally only need to take over-the-counter pain relievers like Motrin or Tylenol. Very rarely do people need stronger medications like narcotics. After undergoing a root canal treatment, most people go about their day as usual. They may take Motrin or Tylenol for a day or two. You can pretty much do anything you want. There are really no restrictions after having a root canal.
Are root canals expensive?
Sometimes people wonder if root canals are expensive. They can be. Yes. The good news is that if you have dental insurance, they tend to cover about half. Some cover a little less, some a little more. Root canals generally cost around $1,000 to $1,500 on average. It is definitely an expense.
Remember, my team and I are always here to support you with gentle, compassionate care every step of the way. If you have any more questions or want to discuss your options, don't hesitate to reach out. You can call us at (951) 904-3164 or visit our website at riversidecenterforestheticdentistry.com. Again, the phone number is (951) 904-3164 or visit us at riversidecenterforestheticdentistry.com. Remember, it's esthetic dentistry with an 'e', not an 'a'. Thank you again, and we'll see you soon.