Root canals; FAQs answered by our dentist

It is something of a common occurrence that is set into the minds of many dental patients. If you have ever suffered from a dental abscess, the chances are that you’ll never want to experience a sensation like that again!

In years gone by, the only real way to ensure that a dental abscess or pulp infection in the tooth would never recur was to remove the tooth. This created issues with aesthetics, especially if the tooth was located at the front of the mouth. Root canals are now the common practice for resolving abscesses, but they are somewhat disliked by the majority of dental patients. Quite unfairly so!

At Northern Beaches Dental, our dentist Mackay has performed thousands of root canals and can attest to how useful this procedure is at not only preventing abscesses but also maintaining the aesthetic of your smile with minimal effort or trauma. Great stuff!

But you may remain unconvinced that a root canal is for you. Therefore, our dentist Mackay has answered 5 common questions that we receive about root canals, so you can get a better idea of what this treatment is and how it can help you.

Does it cause discomfort?

In a word, no. Root canals do not cause discomfort, rather they alleviate it. Our dentist Mackay is certain that this myth comes from the discomfort of the problem that the root canal is trying to fix; a dental abscess is an exceedingly uncomfortable condition, so this link has formed. Once you are at home after the local anaesthetic and root canal, the area may feel slightly bruised or sensitive for a few days; this is completely normal and should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Will the tooth die afterwards?

This is a bit of a yes-and-no answer; the tooth will be able to continue with its function, but as the pulp has been removed, the tooth is technically dead; this does not mean that it will turn black. One of the key advantages of having a root canal performed is that it does not create an aesthetic issue with your teeth.

Will the abscess reoccur?

It is statistically unlikely that an abscess will reoccur under a tooth where a root canal has been performed. However, if the roots of your teeth were curled or misshapen (which is very common), this can create a complication that can enhance the chances of an abscess reoccurring. Our team will make every effort to ensure that the root canal is performed correctly to minimise the occurrence of any dental infection.

How long will it last?

With the correct aftercare, such as brushing and attending biannual check-ups with our team, the results of a root canal should last for the rest of your life without issue. But if you do notice sensitivity occurring with a tooth that has had a root canal, then you need to see our team promptly.

Isn’t extraction better?

In some instances, extraction is better, but this is only the case if the tooth has been damaged by severe decay. Root canals are usually better as they do not require a tooth to be extracted, which can otherwise create an obvious aesthetic and functional issue with your teeth.

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.