Q | How painful is a root canal?
A | A root canal is no more painful than any other procedures like fillings. Whether you choose anesthesia or sedation dentistry, any discomfort is minimized. You will experience some discomfort afterwards but it is typically minimal and should disappear within a couple days.
Q | How long do root canals last?
A | While there is a range dependent on each individuals lifestyle and oral health, generally a root canal will last one to ten years. Proper dental care is paramount to extending the life. Dentists can spot and correct issues early, extending the life of your root canal.
Q | How long do root canals last?
A | While there is a range dependent on each individuals lifestyle and oral health, generally a root canal will last one to ten years. Proper dental care is paramount to extending the life. Dentists can spot and correct issues early, extending the life of your root canal.
Q | How can you tell if a root canal might be required?
A | Usually the first sign is pain in a tooth from drinking hot or cold beverages. The sensation can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain that continues after you have swallowed.
Another sign is constant or near constant pain in the tooth. Sometimes the pain is in area other than the tooth, like the jaw, face or other teeth. While there are other issues that can cause the same symptoms, it's always advisable to see your dentist as part of the diagnosis process.
When you have infection in the pulp of your tooth that has spread to the roots your teeth can sometimes become discolored, often to a grayish or black tone. This indicates trauma to the tooth. If you experience any change of color in your teeth, see a dentist to determine the cause.
Other signs that you may need a root canal may include swelling or tenderness of the gums near the painful tooth, bumps that look like pimples in the area of pain and any tooth movement.
