Why do I need a root canal? How painful is the procedure? How long does it take? What are alternatives to root canals? Get the answers to these questions – and more – by reading these frequently asked questions about the root canal procedure.

1. ROOT CANALS
FAQ
With today’s dental
technology and modern
anesthesia, root canals are no
longer something to fear.
Take a look at the facts: here
are comforting answers to
many of the questions on the
minds of root canal patients.

2. A root canal
procedure can save a
tooth that otherwise
your dentist would
have to extract.
Dentists can remove
the infected pulp,
repair the decay, and
fill the tooth.
That’s it. It’s not a
simple procedure, but
certainly nothing to
fear.
What is involved in a root canal procedure?

3. Extreme and
constant sensitivity
to temperature
extremes
Pain when you
chew or bite food
Severe toothache
Pain that disturbs
your sleep
What symptoms may indicate that I need a
root canal?

4. The procedure itself is not
painful, thanks to high-tech
dental equipment and
state-of-the-art anesthetics.
The recovery period is not as
painful as the symptoms
from allowing your tooth to
go untreated. You’ll
probably have a little
discomfort for the first 48
hours, but most patients
find that over-the-counter
pain medicine is all they
need to feel comfortable.
Is a root canal procedure painful?

5. Depending upon the
severity of your
infection, your dentist
can probably
complete your
procedure in under
two hours.
Many procedures take
only a half hour to
finish.
How long will a root canal take?

6. The day of your
procedure, your dentist
will provide you with a
temporary filling. After
about six weeks, you’ll
need to return to your
dentist for a permanent
filling.
Just make sure not to eat
chewy, hard, or sticky
foods while you wear the
temporary filling.
What kind of follow-up care will I need?

7. Tooth extraction is the
only alternative to a root
canal procedure. If you
choose tooth extraction,
you’ll have more pain
during the recovery period
and may have to get a
dental implant.
Root canals allow you to
keep your tooth, cause no
pain during the procedure
and have fewer side
effects than the
alternative.
Are there any alternative procedures?

8. For more information visit
www.cavendental.com
or call 904-337-6821