Getting a Root Canal, by Andrew Howard, D.M.D.

Helpful information and advice from a dentist and people who have gotten root canals

Article by Andrew Howard, D.M.D., medical correspondent, HealthAngle.com. Dr. Howard is a dentist with a private practice in general and cosmetic dentistry in Morristown, New Jersey. Edited by Ken Wilan.

Root canals get a bad rap: the perception of the procedure is mired in antiquated thinking.

 

Newer, longer-acting anesthetics have been developed that help to deaden the tooth, allowing the dentist to work on a very numb and comfortable patient. The dental drill spins at much higher speeds than it used to; this means much less vibration on the tooth, and therefore less postoperative pain. Better microscopes allow dentists to more accurately manipulate instruments within a fraction of a millimeter inside the tooth, leading to a more delicate procedure and better results.

While the dental treatment has improved, communication is equally important. Talk with your doctor and ask him or her the questions that are on your mind – this will reduce stress related to the procedure.

Top Five Questions about a Root Canal:

Question One: What is a root canal?
Answer: A root canal is a cleaning out of the main compartment of the tooth to remove decay, infection or another process causing pain. Once it is completed, the doctor will look at an X ray to make sure everything was properly removed and what’s left is intact.
 
Question Two: Am I going to feel anything during the procedure?
Answer: Once the area is numb, pain should be minimal to nonexistent. The procedure usually lasts about 45 minutes, during which time you can relax in the chair, listen to music or even watch TV.
 
Question Three: Am I going to feel anything after the procedure?
Answer: A doctor will often suggest the patient take over-the-counter analgesics, or a prescription, if necessary. Someone is always on call should pain need a doctor’s attention.

Question Four: Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Answer: A temporary crown will often be fitted over the tooth. A patient must return for a permanent crown to ensure the best postoperative care, fit and aesthetic results.
 
Question Five: Will my insurance cover a root canal treatment?
Answer: Depending on the practice policies, either the dentist or patient will submit the procedure to the insurance company for reimbursement. A patient may also seek to obtain confirmation of coverage prior to the procedure. Root canals are generally reimbursed at some amount.
 
Advice from Patients Who Have Had Root Canals:

  • If you have dental anxieties, share it with the doctor.

  • Work out a signal with the dental team — maybe raising your hand — that you can do during the procedure if you need the dentist to pause.

  • Find a doctor with a gentle, friendly demeanor. 

Two Stories from People Who Have Gotten Root Canal:

Paul, male, 26, New Jersey:

I had a hole in my tooth so I went to see my dentist about getting it filled. The doctor found a cavity that was down to the root so he advised a root canal to stop the pain and save my tooth.

The procedure was a simple. The first visit I was examined, the tooth was drilled and then I was given a temporary filling. There was no pain.

On the second visit, there was more drilling and the dentist cleaned out the nerve root. Afterwards, there was mild pain but nothing that stopped me from eating my regular lunch and dinner.

At the third visit, which took an hour, the dentist finished my root canal (he also filled another tooth that had a cavity). The only negative sensation during all the root canal procedures was an initial pinch from the injection of the anesthetic. After each visit I was able to go right back to work.
 

Denise, female, 38, Massachusetts:

My dentist saw the beginning of an abscess and recommended I see an endodontist for a root canal. I was quite nervous about going since I had never had a root canal or been to this particular endodontist. But as soon as I stepped into the office, I began to be reassured. The office had very soothing music on in the waiting room along with a tranquil Zen-like water fountain. The staff was exceptionally nice. Soon I was escorted back to the exam room, fitted for a splash bib, and offered magazines to read while I waited for the doctor. She arrived within minutes, and like her staff had a very calm demeanor.

She really took her time introducing herself and explaining what was going to take place. She began by testing the sensitivity of my tooth and found that indeed it had already died. This would make the procedure essentially painless. She was extremely gentle, confirming with various probes, taps, and cold sprays which tooth was affected. Then the assistant took several X-rays of the tooth with a digital X-ray imaging device; the technology emits only a fraction of the radiation of regular X-rays that require film. I was very impressed with the level of technology in her office.

I received a few shots of Novocain, and soon the doctor began the root canal. I have to say I really was amazed at how gentle she was. She used many toothpick-like metal picks to remove debris from the dying portion of my tooth. She had a microscope that allowed her to examine the root canal. More X-rays were taken throughout the procedure, and the root canal was filled and a temporary filling placed on top. I understand that is standard procedure. On my way out of the office, I received a take-away bag with some Advil, a couple breath mints, a pen and instructions for signs and symptoms to watch for over the next several hours.

I felt great after the procedure, but took the Advil as recommended. After the Novocain wore off my jaw was kind of stiff, but that was all. I avoided chewing any food on that side of my mouth for the next day.

Attribution: HealthAngle.com

For more patient stories and advice about getting a root canal: http://www.healthangle.com/procedures/root-canal



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