Question 1

my dentist says i need root canal therapy and i don't feel any pain! should i consult another dentist?

Accepted Answer

Maybe.: If you have any doubt that your dentist is right or not, a second opinion is wise. I will say, though, that not all teeth that need root canal are painful. Some simply show on an x-ray that the nerve died and abcessed!

Question 2

what happens during root canal therapy?

Accepted Answer

A few steps: The dentist uses a handpiece to open up the top of the tooth to get to the pulp chamber.  They then remove the dead or infected pulp, clean out the canals and put a filling material in the canal.  This can take 1 or 2 appointments.

Question 3

do cavities require root canal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Depends: No not all cavities . It depends on how close to the nerve the cavities are. If the are into or extremely close then a root canal is most likely needed.

Question 4

do everyone usually need a crown after a root canal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Most often YES: There is always an exception to every rule. Discuss your options with your dentist. Statistically you will be better off with having one done if its a back tooth following a rct.

Question 5

what is the difference between root canal therapy and extraction?

Accepted Answer

Big difference: An extraction is final. The tooth is taken out of the mouth and is gone unless replaced some type of appliance, be fixed or removable bridge or implant and crown. A root canal is done to preserve the tooth when the nerve is affected. The tooth can remain in the mouth after a root canal without vital nerve tissue providing it has good bone support.

Question 6

what should i do if there was a breakage in the cleaning needle during root canal therapy procedure?

Accepted Answer

Go to a specialist: On occassion a file will break in the canal of the root, many times the file can be bypassed and as long as the roots get sealed to the apex (tip) the therapy will work out fine. A root canal specialist, an endodontist is the best at handling these situations.

Question 7

can a person smoke after root canal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not recommended: OK, you should never smoke under any circumstances. However, do not smoke for 12 hours before treatment and for 72 hours after root canal therapy to facilitate the healing. Quitting smoking is unbelievably difficult, but I know you have the "guts" to do it.

Question 8

can root regrow after having root canal therapy?

Accepted Answer

No: Any tooth structure removed during root canal therapy will not regrow.  However, only a small amount of tooth structure is removed through the center of the roots.  So is the pulp which is also in the canal area.  The root as a whole is still functional after it is filled.

Question 9

can you please give me a technical description of root canal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Root canals: It's simply removing the nerve and blood supply from inside the tooth because it has been contaminated with bacteria. Then you must fill the inside of the tooth so it doesn't get recontaminated.

Question 10

why do i feel discomfort after root canal therapy if the nerve is gone?

Accepted Answer

Phantom pain: When nerves are injured there is sometime a condition where there is "memory" and if the nerve is gone, the rest of the nervous system remembers the nerve and there is the sensation of pain.  This is a complex and poorly understood conditon.  It happens with loss of limb as well.  It also could be inflammation in the root canal itself.  Discuss with your dentist or endodontist.

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Doctor answers about:

Root canal therapy bicuspid

A member asked:

My dentist says i need root canal therapy and i don't feel any pain! should i consult another dentist?

A member asked:

What happens during root canal therapy?

A member asked:

Do cavities require root canal therapy?

A member asked:

Do everyone usually need a crown after a root canal therapy?

A member asked:

What is the difference between root canal therapy and extraction?

A member asked:

What should i do if there was a breakage in the cleaning needle during root canal therapy procedure?

A member asked:

Can a person smoke after root canal therapy?

A member asked:

Can root regrow after having root canal therapy?

A member asked:

Can you please give me a technical description of root canal therapy?

A member asked:

Why do i feel discomfort after root canal therapy if the nerve is gone?

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