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Root Canal FAQ
Everything you need to know about root canal therapy at Best Dental. Get expert answers about the procedure, pain management, recovery, and saving your natural tooth.
Schedule Your ConsultationUnderstanding Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being painful, but modern endodontic techniques make the procedure comfortable and highly effective at saving infected or damaged teeth. At Best Dental, we use advanced technology and gentle techniques to eliminate pain, remove infection, and preserve your natural tooth for years to come.
A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma. Without treatment, the infection spreads, causing severe pain, abscess formation, and eventual tooth loss. This comprehensive FAQ guide addresses common questions and concerns about root canal therapy.
Root Canal Basics
What is a root canal?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp (nerve tissue, blood vessels, and connective tissue) from inside your tooth. The pulp extends from the crown of your tooth down through narrow channels called root canals to the tip of the root. During the procedure, your dentist or endodontist accesses the pulp chamber, removes the damaged tissue, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the canals, and seals them with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Finally, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown to protect it and restore function. Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise require extraction.
Why do I need a root canal?
Several conditions necessitate root canal treatment. Deep tooth decay that reaches the pulp chamber causes infection and inflammation. Cracks or chips in teeth allow bacteria to enter the pulp. Trauma to a tooth can damage the pulp even without visible cracks. Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth can irritate and inflame the pulp. Sometimes pulp damage occurs without an obvious cause. Symptoms indicating you need a root canal include severe toothache (especially when chewing or applying pressure), prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, tooth discoloration (darkening), swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, or a persistent pimple-like bump on the gums (fistula). Sometimes infected teeth show no symptoms and are discovered during routine dental exams or X-rays.
Are root canals painful?
Modern root canals are no more painful than getting a filling. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during treatment—just pressure and movement. Root canals actually relieve pain by removing the infected tissue causing your toothache. Most patients report that the anticipation is worse than the reality. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. The pain from an untreated infected tooth is far worse than any discomfort from the procedure. We also offer sedation dentistry options for anxious patients to ensure complete comfort.
What are my alternatives to a root canal?
The only alternative to root canal treatment is extracting the infected tooth. While extraction may seem simpler, it creates additional problems including difficulty chewing, adjacent teeth shifting into the gap, bone loss in the jaw, and changes to your facial structure over time. Replacing an extracted tooth requires a dental bridge, dental implant, or partial denture—all of which cost significantly more than a root canal and crown. Saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy is almost always the best choice for your oral health and budget. No artificial tooth replacement performs as well as your natural tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure
What happens during a root canal?
Root canal treatment typically requires 1-2 appointments. First, we numb the area with local anesthesia and place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry. We create a small access opening in the crown of the tooth and use specialized instruments to remove the infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected with antimicrobial solutions. We may place medication inside the tooth between appointments if infection is severe. Once the canals are clean and dry, we fill them with gutta-percha and seal the access opening with a temporary or permanent filling. Most teeth require a dental crown after root canal treatment to protect the tooth and restore full function, which is placed 1-2 weeks later.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one appointment lasting 60-90 minutes. Front teeth (incisors and canines) have a single root canal and typically take 45-60 minutes. Premolars with 1-2 roots usually require 60 minutes. Molars with 3-4 root canals often take 90 minutes or longer due to their complexity. Complex cases, severe infections, or curved canals may require two appointments. The first appointment removes infected tissue and places medication, while the second appointment (1-2 weeks later) completes the canal filling and sealing. Your dentist will provide an accurate time estimate based on which tooth needs treatment and the complexity of your case.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
Most teeth require a dental crown after root canal treatment, especially molars and premolars that endure heavy chewing forces. Root canal treatment removes the tooth's blood supply, making it more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown encases and protects the entire tooth, preventing cracks and breakage. Front teeth with minimal structural damage may only need a filling rather than a full crown. However, dentists typically recommend crowns for back teeth to ensure long-term survival. The crown is usually placed 1-2 weeks after the root canal is completed, once we confirm the tooth is healing properly. Without a crown, root canal-treated teeth have a significantly higher failure rate.
Can all teeth be treated with root canals?
Most teeth can be saved with root canal treatment, but some situations make the procedure impossible or inadvisable. Severely fractured teeth with cracks extending below the gum line cannot be saved. Teeth with insufficient remaining tooth structure to support a crown after the root canal may require extraction. If the root canals are severely curved, calcified, or blocked, instruments may not be able to reach and clean them properly. Vertical root fractures compromise the tooth's integrity beyond repair. Teeth with insufficient bone support due to advanced gum disease may not warrant saving. During your examination, we'll take X-rays and assess whether your tooth is a good candidate for root canal therapy or if extraction is the better option.
Cost & Insurance
How much does a root canal cost?
Root canal costs vary based on which tooth needs treatment and the procedure's complexity. Front teeth (incisors) typically cost $700-$1,000 due to their single, straight root canal. Premolars with 1-2 canals range from $800-$1,200. Molars with 3-4 canals are most expensive at $1,000-$1,500. These prices cover just the root canal procedure—the necessary crown adds $1,000-$2,000. Total treatment (root canal plus crown) ranges from $1,700-$3,500. While this seems expensive, it's significantly less than extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant ($3,000-$5,000) or bridge ($2,500-$5,000). We provide detailed cost estimates and offer flexible payment plans to make treatment affordable.
Does dental insurance cover root canals?
Most dental insurance plans classify root canals as a major service and cover 50-80% of the cost after your deductible. The crown is also considered a major service with similar coverage. Coverage percentages and annual maximums vary by plan. Some plans have waiting periods (typically 6-12 months) for major services if you're a new member. Insurance is more likely to cover medically necessary root canals than retreatment of previously failed root canals. Our insurance coordinators verify your specific benefits before treatment and maximize your coverage. We work with all major carriers including Delta Dental, Aetna, and Cigna.
Is a root canal worth the cost?
Absolutely. Saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy provides benefits that far exceed the cost. Natural teeth function better than any artificial replacement, maintaining normal chewing efficiency and bite forces. Root canals prevent bone loss that occurs after extraction, preserving your facial structure. They eliminate the ongoing costs of maintaining bridges or implants. The procedure has a high success rate (85-97%) and treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. Extraction followed by tooth replacement costs significantly more and involves additional procedures. Most patients who undergo root canal treatment report they would choose it again over extraction. Investing in saving your natural tooth is investing in your long-term oral health.
Recovery & Aftercare
What should I expect after a root canal?
After your root canal, the local anesthesia will wear off within 2-4 hours. You may experience mild discomfort, sensitivity, or soreness for 3-7 days as your tooth heals. This is normal and usually peaks within 24-48 hours before gradually improving. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen effectively manage discomfort. Your tooth may feel slightly different—sometimes tender to pressure or temperature—for a few weeks as surrounding tissues heal. Swelling is rare but can occur, especially if there was infection. Contact our office if you experience severe pain, visible swelling, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your bite feels uneven. Most patients return to normal activities immediately and can work the next day.
How do I care for my tooth after a root canal?
Follow these aftercare instructions for optimal healing. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed, as the temporary filling or restoration is not as strong. Continue brushing and flossing normally, being gentle around the treated area. Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed, even if symptoms improve. Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed. Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage the temporary restoration. Don't miss your crown appointment—the tooth needs permanent protection. After your crown is placed, care for the tooth exactly like your natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings every six months.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Most patients recover from a root canal within 3-7 days, though some sensitivity may persist for up to two weeks. The first 24-48 hours involve the most discomfort as inflammation decreases. By day three, most patients feel significantly better. Complete healing of the internal tissues takes several weeks, but you won't notice this process. Once your permanent crown is placed (typically 1-2 weeks after the root canal), the tooth should feel completely normal. Complications are rare but can extend recovery time. Unlike tooth extraction, root canal recovery is generally quicker and less painful since we're preserving your natural tooth rather than removing it.
Can I eat normally after a root canal?
Wait until the anesthesia completely wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. For the first few days, stick to soft foods that don't require heavy chewing on the treated side—soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and pasta work well. Avoid very hot foods and beverages, as your tooth may be sensitive to temperature. Don't chew hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. You can eat on the opposite side of your mouth normally. Once your crown is placed and your dentist confirms everything looks good, you can resume eating all your favorite foods without restrictions.
Success & Longevity
How successful are root canals?
Root canal treatment has an excellent success rate of 85-97%, depending on the tooth's location and condition. Front teeth have the highest success rates (95%+) due to their simple root anatomy. Molars have slightly lower success rates (85-90%) because of their complex canal systems. Teeth treated before developing abscesses fare better than severely infected teeth. Success rates are highest when the tooth receives a crown for protection and the patient maintains excellent oral hygiene. Modern techniques including advanced microscopes, digital imaging, and rotary instruments have improved success rates significantly over the past decade. Most properly treated teeth last 8-10 years minimum, with many lasting a lifetime.
How long do root canals last?
A properly performed root canal with a protective crown can last a lifetime. Studies show that 8-10 years after treatment, 85-90% of teeth are still functioning well. Many root canal-treated teeth last 20, 30, or even 40+ years. Longevity depends on several factors including the quality of the root canal and crown, the amount of natural tooth structure remaining, your oral hygiene habits, regular dental checkups, and avoiding trauma to the tooth. Teeth without crowns have higher failure rates due to fractures. The tooth remains susceptible to new decay, so maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial. With proper care, there's no reason your root canal-treated tooth shouldn't last as long as your other teeth.
Can a root canal fail?
While rare, root canals can fail for several reasons. New infection can develop if bacteria enter through a leaky crown or filling, or if a canal was missed during initial treatment. Fractures in the tooth or root can occur, especially in teeth without crowns. Complex root anatomy with curved, narrow, or calcified canals may prevent complete cleaning. Delay in placing the permanent crown increases failure risk. Symptoms of failure include renewed pain, sensitivity, swelling, or abscess formation. Most failed root canals can be retreated successfully by an endodontist who will remove the old filling material, clean the canals more thoroughly, and reseal them. If retreatment isn't feasible, options include apicoectomy (surgical root canal) or extraction followed by a dental implant or bridge.
Will my tooth be weaker after a root canal?
Yes, teeth become slightly more brittle after root canal treatment because we remove the pulp tissue that provides moisture and vitality to the tooth. The tooth also becomes less sensitive to pain, which means you might not notice developing problems as quickly. However, a properly restored root canal-treated tooth with a crown is structurally sound and can function normally for decades. The crown distributes chewing forces evenly and prevents fractures. Without a crown, root canal-treated teeth are significantly more prone to breaking, which is why crowns are strongly recommended. With proper restoration and care, your treated tooth will perform almost identically to your other teeth.
📋 Key Takeaways About Root Canals
- Root canals save infected or damaged teeth that would otherwise require extraction
- Modern root canal treatment is no more painful than getting a filling
- The procedure has an 85-97% success rate with proper restoration
- Root canals typically cost $700-$1,500, with crowns adding $1,000-$2,000
- Most dental insurance covers 50-80% of root canal treatment
- Treatment usually requires 1-2 appointments lasting 60-90 minutes each
- Recovery takes 3-7 days with mild discomfort easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication
- A crown is typically necessary to protect the tooth after root canal treatment
- Root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care
- Saving your natural tooth is almost always better and more cost-effective than extraction and replacement
Don't Let Tooth Pain Continue
If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or other symptoms of infection, don't wait. Root canal treatment at Best Dental can eliminate your pain and save your natural tooth. Our gentle approach and advanced technology ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Schedule an emergency appointment or consultation today. Call us at (281) 215-3065 or book online now!
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