When you’re in the dentist’s chair and you hear the dreaded phrase I need to perform a root canal, it’s hard not to panic. After all, root canals are one of the most painful dental procedures you can get! But no worries a root canal isn’t as bad as it sounds, and we can help you get through it with our useful information on how long does a root canal take and other root canal facts.
What Is the Process of Getting a Root Canal?
Getting a root canal isn’t like getting your teeth cleaned, but it doesn’t have to be as painful as you might think. When you get root canal treatment, here’s what will happen during your appointment: First, your dentist will numb up certain parts of your mouth and jaw with a local anesthetic.
Then he or she will drill into your tooth to remove all of its pulp tissue; that’s where infection is likely to start. Afterward, you’ll probably need some antibiotics for about three days. Your dentist will usually fill in the hole with either gutta-percha or composite resin before sealing it and giving you back your healthy tooth!
What Causes Teeth Pain Before a Root Canal?
A root canal is used to treat pain or infection that can’t be solved with other dental procedures. The infection is typically caused by deep decay that has reached or penetrated into the pulp chamber of your tooth. While any tooth can get a root canal, some teeth are more susceptible to it. For example, wisdom teeth tend to have problems with infections and injuries.
Other vulnerable teeth include those with deep cavities, cracked fillings, chips and cracks from an accident, and missing pieces from trauma or another health issue. If you have any of these in your mouth, you may need treatment for a painful cavity that will ultimately require either having your tooth removed or receiving a root canal on it.
Do All Root Canals Hurt?
All root canals don’t hurt. However, you’ll probably have some discomfort with any procedure on your teeth. Fortunately, when it comes to root canals there are effective ways to minimize pain and make sure you get through your appointment successfully.
Before beginning treatment, Dr. Mark Costin will numb your tooth with a local anesthetic so that your tooth doesn’t hurt as much while he works on it. He may also take x-rays of your mouth so that he has a clear picture of what’s going on inside before he starts treatment. This way, Dr. Mark Costin knows where things are located in relation to each other and can better guide his instruments during treatment to protect against further damage to your tooth or surrounding structures.
When Should I Go to the Dentist for My Toothache?
A quick answer is to head to your dentist’s office when you can’t put up with pain any longer. But in reality, that isn’t always possible. If you don’t have health insurance or can’t get an appointment with your dentist right away, it can be stressful wondering if you need a root canal (yes) or just some Tylenol (probably not).
Here are some telltale signs that suggest time is of the essence: Excessive Swelling and/or Pain that Worsens Over Time: If you’re experiencing sudden-onset tooth pain, such as after biting into something hard or chewing gum, it might go away on its own within 24 hours.
What Are The Different Ways to Fix Cavities (Fillings)?
There are numerous ways to fix cavities, from filling to root canals. How long does each procedure take and what happens during one? There are three main ways to fix cavities: Fillings Root Canals Crowns
How Much Does it Cost to Get Root Canaled, or Have Cavities Filled (Filling)?
When looking to get your teeth filled or have them root canaled, you may wonder how much it will cost. This guide covers common questions and concerns such as: How much does an endodontist charge?
What are root canal costs? Where do I find affordable dental services, like dental clinics and low-cost dentists? And what is going to be included in my treatment costs if I need a filling or root canal procedure done quickly?
Learn all of that and more by reading our complete Costs for Endodontic Treatments resource guide . Below you’ll also find some helpful tips on how to save money when getting cavities filled. Good luck! Let us know how things turn out for you! Remember, we’re here 24/7!
Do I Need an Anesthetic During A Root Canal Procedure?
While most patients won’t feel any pain during root canal therapy, some may be required to take an anesthetic in order to keep them comfortable. In many cases, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic prior to starting treatment.
This numbs specific areas of your mouth so you can still experience pressure but not pain. There are also nitrous oxide-type gas anesthetics that you may be given if your dentist thinks it will make you more comfortable. Some teeth may not require these extra forms of sedation, but just remember that we’re here to help you feel as relaxed and stress-free as possible!
Where Can I Get My Cavity Fixed Instead of Just Filled (Cavity)?
Do you have a cavity that’s just been filled and it hasn’t healed properly in two weeks? You might be eligible for a free cleaning by your dentist to ensure that all of your teeth are healthy. Check with your dentist or insurance company if you want to find out what type of cleanings are covered by your dental plan, and whether you qualify for any discounts. If there is an area of decay that hasn’t responded to treatment, ask about ways to improve its strength so it can withstand additional treatments without having to remove more tooth structure.
Why Do I Have Pain After Getting a Cavity Fixed, or Filling (Root Canal)?
Have you recently had an old cavity filled, or an infection treated with a root canal at one of our dental offices in Tucson and Sierra Vista, Arizona? If so, you may have some soreness in your tooth after having treatment.
This is normal! This pain will most likely be mild to moderate and will last for several days or even weeks depending on your individual case. During that time it may be sensitive to hot and cold foods/drinks as well as brushing/flossing (which are activities that should be avoided while it heals).
What Happens if My Tooth Gets Injured During the Procedure?
After your tooth has been thoroughly cleaned and isolated from other teeth in your mouth, we’ll make an opening in your tooth to clean out any infection or irritants. We’ll then put in a temporary filling and create an impression of your tooth.
The impression will be sent to our lab, where we’ll send it off for special dental materials that won’t affect your dental health over time. Once these have been made, we’ll put them back into your tooth permanently. This is called seating. Because of how sensitive to temperature our teeth are, each root canal lasts only about three minutes long before we go over it again with x-rays to make sure everything looks good.