Answers to Top Questions About Root Canal Therapy

When you need a root canal in Fairhope AL, you are in good hands at Lagniappe Dental. Our entire team will work hard to give you exceptional, attentive care for all procedures. Let us help you to better understand root canal treatment to make you more comfortable before your procedure.  

Root Canal Therapy Basics

Is Root Canal Therapy the Same as a Root Canal?

The term "root canal" refers to the area of the inside of the tooth where the pulp tissue is. However, many people also use this term to mean the procedure used to remove infection from this area. Dentists call this procedure "root canal therapy."  

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is a type of endodontic therapy used to take out infected material from deep inside your tooth. This decay is so deep that it has reached the nerve chamber and infected the soft tissues inside. Since it impacts the nerve inside the tooth, you may feel a lot of pain if you need a root canal. A simple filling cannot fix the problem, so, in this case, Dr. Bruce performs a root canal. This procedure cleans out the infected material and seals the tooth. By removing the infection, Dr. Bruce saves your tooth and stops your toothache.  

Why Do I Need a Root Canal Procedure?

We only recommend root canal therapy if you have an infection in the soft tissues inside your tooth or a broken tooth that exposes the pulp. When germs reach the pulp tissue, they multiply, causing swelling and infection of the soft tissues inside the tooth.  

If you have any of the following symptoms, it may be time to schedule a root canal appointment with us:

• Severe pain in a tooth,

• A pimple on the gums,

• Swelling on the gums,

• Discoloration of a single tooth,

• Or extra sensitivity to heat and cold.  

Why Does a Tooth That Needs a Root Canal Hurt So Much?

Your teeth have several layers. The outer portion of the tooth, called the dentin, protects the interior canal that holds the sensitive tooth nerve and pulp. If you have decay in the dentin, the dentist can fill the cavity to prevent the hole from getting bigger and reaching the pulp.

If you have a cavity that goes untreated or you have severe damage to a tooth that exposes the pulp, germs can get inside and cause infection deep inside the tooth. Since this root chamber includes the nerve, the infection can feel especially painful. But the pain could also stop suddenly.  

Also, watch out for tooth pain that suddenly disappears. This may mean that the damage has become so severe that the nerve inside the tooth died. Scheduling a root canal appointment may save the tooth.

How Is Root Canal Therapy Different from a Cavity Filling?

Cavity fillings only clear minor decay from the tooth's surface. Root canal therapy treats the inside of the tooth, where the nerve is.  

When Dr. Bruce performs a root canal, he will clean out the inside of the tooth and remove the germs and any infected soft tissues before filling this space. This treatment of the tooth's interior makes root canal therapy different from a cavity filling.  

Root Canal Procedure

What Happens During a Root Canal?

During a root canal, Dr. Bruce does the following:  

• Numbs the area,  

• Uses a tiny drill to open the tooth to access the infected area,  

• Removes all infected pulp and the inflamed nerve,  

• Seals the tooth interior,

• And protects the tooth with a restorative option, such as a dental crown or post.  

Does the Dentist Put You to Sleep for a Root Canal?

Dr. Bruce and our entire team want you to feel comfortable throughout your root canal procedure. Please talk to us about any concerns you have, and we'll work with you.  

Typically, we don't put you to sleep for a root canal. Instead, Dr. Bruce uses local medication to numb the area. You will not feel anything as he performs the root canal.  

By using only local numbing medicines, we make it more convenient for you because you can drive yourself to and from your appointment.  

Root Canal Therapy Side Effects

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy may leave you with mild tooth sensitivity and minor pain in the tooth for a few days after the procedure. This will ease as your tooth heals. Once healed, your tooth will be pain free.  

Does Getting a Root Canal Hurt?

Getting a root canal does not hurt at all. You will be completely numb when Dr. Bruce begins the procedure and you won't feel anything until after the numbing medicine wears off.  

What Are the Risks of Root Canals?

All dental procedures will have risks. With root canal therapy, the procedure has a very high success rate of over 90% and very low risks. However, in rare cases, you may still have infected material in the tooth, which requires another root canal.  

Root Canal Recovery

How Long Is the Root Canal Recovery Time?

Most people recover completely from a root canal in a few days. You may feel a little sore or have extra tooth sensitivity. These problems will let up in a week or two.  

You should be able to return to eating your favorite foods soon after the root canal.  

Paying for Root Canal Therapy

What Should I Do If I Need a Root Canal and Cannot Pay for It?

If you cannot afford a root canal or don't have dental insurance, we can work with you. Our in-office dental savings plans give you discounted rates on various procedures that you need, and these typically cost less than many dental insurance plans.  

Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Root Canal Therapy?

Having the tooth removed typically costs less than a root canal. However, getting the tooth pulled could leave you with a hole in your smile, depending on where the tooth is.  

At Lagniappe Dental, we'll discuss the pros and cons with you of extraction and root canal therapy to give you the freedom to make the right decision for your situation.  

Schedule a Visit with Lagniappe Dental for Root Canal Therapy in Fairhope AL Care

If you have a tooth that hurts, trust us at Lagniappe Dental to give you the gentle, comforting care you need. Whether you need a root canal or not, we'll help you to get the right type of treatment to keep your teeth healthy. Connect with our team today to schedule a visit.  

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