Frequently Asked Root Canal Questions Paramus
Answering Your Questions About Endodontic Care
Are you wondering what you can expect when you visit our Paramus endodontic office for root canal treatment? Plenty of patients who visit us have all kinds of questions regarding endodontics, and we always make sure that they receive the detailed answers that they need. Below are some common questions that we have received in the past as well as our responses; remember that you can always call us if there is something else that you want to ask about.
DOES ROOT CANAL TREATMENT HURT?
It is a misconception that root canal treatment causes pain; the fact of the matter is that the procedure is intended to put a stop to it. The pulp inside each tooth contains a number of nerve pathways. As such, when the pulp is infected or damaged, it tends to cause discomfort. With a root canal treatment, we can get rid of the infected pulp – and thus, take away the source of the pain. And to ensure that you stay comfortable while we’re treating you, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic.
WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY ROOT CANAL PERFORMED BY AN ENDODONTIST?
While some dentists are trained in performing root canals, endodontists go a step further; after completing dental school, they undergo two to three years of additional training. Endodontists have been trained to perform certain treatments using advanced technologies, and this makes a difference in the level of quality of the care that they’re able to offer their patients.
IS REMOVING THE TOOTH A BETTER OPTION?
Having a tooth removed may seem like the path of least resistance for dealing with an infection, but it’s far from the ideal solution. For one thing, it is always better for your mouth to have a full set of natural teeth. For another, dealing with the aftermath of an extracted tooth will involve investing additional time and money.
An extracted tooth needs to be replaced as soon as possible if you don’t want your remaining teeth to shift out of place. Teeth can be replaced with dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants, but generally speaking, you can avoid a lot of trouble if you simply save your tooth by undergoing an expertly performed root canal treatment.
HOW LONG DOES IT NORMALLY TAKE TO COMPLETE A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
It should be noted that the timeline for your root canal treatment will vary based on which tooth is being treated as well as how advanced the infection is. Usually, the procedure takes about one to two hours, and it often only requires a single visit. That being said, additional appointments may be needed if you have multiple teeth that are suffering from infections.
HOW CAN I LOWER MY CHANCES OF NEEDING A ROOT CANAL?
Good oral hygiene can go a long way toward minimizing your risk for dental infections. Take the time to brush thoroughly at least twice a day, and make flossing a daily habit. Cut down the amount of sugar you consume in order to reduce your risk for decay. Don’t forget to visit your regular dentist twice a year (which means once every six months) so that they can make sure your teeth are still healthy.