Root Canal FAQs

• What is Endodontics and why do I need root canal treatment?
• Why choose an Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist)?
• When do I need a Root Canal? 
• Why do I need root canal treatment if I do not have any pain?
• Is root canal treatment painful?
• I’m worried about x-rays. Should I be?
• Benefits of Root Canal treatment versus Extraction
• How long will the root canal treatment take to be done?
• What happens after the procedure?
• Is a root canal procedure expensive?
• What new technologies are being used?

What is Endodontics and why do I need root canal treatment?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry involving the treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. Root canal treatment treats the inside of the tooth and is required when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected.

Introduction of bacteria into the pulp can have a variety of causes: deep decay, multiple dental procedures on the tooth, old or faulty crowns, or a crack in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

During root canal treatment, the diseased pulp is removed and the inside of the root canal is cleaned and disinfected. The canal is then filled with a rubber-like material called Gutta-Percha and a dental sealer.  Following that, the tooth is restored with a filling for protection. A crown may be necessary for teeth with compromised tooth structure. After the restoration, the tooth continues to function like a regular tooth.

Why choose an Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist)?

Endodontists are dental specialists with additional two or more years of specialty training after dental school. Many endodontists use state-of-the-art technology such as operating microscopes, digital imaging and ultrasonics to treat their patients accurately and comfortably.

When do I need a Root Canal? 

If you have any of the following symptoms mentioned below you most probably need root canal treatment, so please call and schedule an appointment at Strathroy Endodontics Phone Number 519 245 7070 for an evaluation.

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
• Discomfort when chewing or biting
• Dull ache or severe pain
• Discomfort that wakes you up at night
• Your dentist has diagnosed the need for endodontic treatment either by clinical exam or x-ray

Please be aware that not all teeth that need root canal therapy will cause pain. It is possible to be pain-free and still need a root canal.

Why do I need root canal treatment if I do not have any pain?

Some patients may experience pain with the tooth initially which may go away on its own or after a course of antibiotics. If the tooth pain has disappeared doesn’t mean it is no longer infected. Root canal treatment is required to clean and seal the inside of the tooth which is the source of infection and stop the spread of infection.

Some patients may never experience pain with an infected tooth and the infection is often discovered routinely on a radiograph or during a routine clinical examination. The tooth may have a chronic infection that the body has accommodated enough to not have gone beyond the patient’s pain threshold and occasionally you may have a draining sinus tract adjacent to the tooth.

Prior to performing any root canal treatment, the endodontist will thoroughly examine all radiographic and clinical findings to determine if a root canal is needed.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Root canal treatment these days is often no more uncomfortable than having a filling. In fact, root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain but actually relieves it. With modern techniques and different local anesthetic solutions, the majority of patients are comfortable throughout their procedure and the treatment is virtually pain-free. Endodontists understand a great deal about pain management.

I’m worried about x-rays. Should I be?

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system called digital radiography that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery.

Benefits of Root Canal treatment versus Extraction

The single most important benefit of root canal therapy is that you keep your tooth. Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An extraction may lead to other dental problems like the drifting of teeth, bite problems, TMJ discomfort, and the need to treat adjacent teeth that do not otherwise need dental treatment in order to restore the missing tooth. Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than the extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant.

How long will the root canal treatment take to be done?

The length of the procedure depends on the treatment type, the tooth involved and how infected the tooth is. We estimate your time in the office to last approximately 1-2 hours. The treatment itself can usually be completed in one visit, however, sometimes a second appointment may be needed.

What happens after the procedure?

When your root canal treatment has been completed we will send a report of your treatment to your dentist. You will need to contact their office for a follow-up restoration within 30 days of completion at our office. Your dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth.

Is a root canal procedure expensive?

Saving your tooth through a root canal treatment is less expensive and less invasive than an extraction and replacement with a bridge or implant.

If you have insurance our staff will let you know the cost of treatment and will assist you in submitting your form to your insurance company.

What new technologies are being used?

Operating Microscope:

In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a tiny video camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor’s findings.

Dental CT Scanner:
This allows three-dimensional visualization of teeth, bone, sinuses and surrounding structures with minimal radiation to the patient, enabling a level of anatomical accuracy and patient care not possible with 2-D technologies (regular dental x-rays).

Please remember you are fully responsible for all fees charged by this office at the time treatment is rendered regardless of your insurance coverage.