Oh the dreaded root canal!

I think we should change the name to the Rooty Tooty!  Most people don’t know what a root canal is, they just know that they don’t want one.  I hope this discussion will reduce your fears and clear up some misconceptions.

Truth is, years ago a root canal wasn’t always easy.  We are now in the 21st century and have the technology to keep you comfortable.  A root canal doesn’t have to be difficult!

Once decay or injury has affected the pulp (nerves and blood vessels) in the center of the tooth, our only options involve removing the tooth or performing endodontic therapy.  The tooth is put to sleep and the affected tissue is cleaned out along with any infection in the tooth.  The treatment can take 1,2,or even 3 appointments depending upon how many canals lie inside the tooth and how much infection is present.  Our objective is to clean, shape, and enlarge each canal so that a sealer can be precisely placed into the empty and clean canals.  Our job is to clean the canals, it is the job of your immune system to clear up any infection that may have spread past the canals and into the surrounding bone.  Sometimes, we may place you on antibiotics to help your body do that.  It is important to complete the course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed by Dr. Chunn.  If more than one appointment is needed to complete the therapy, a medication is placed inside the tooth and a temporary filling is placed.  If you were in pain prior to the root canal, you should now feel better.  Occasionally, Dr. Chunn will prescribe a mild pain reliever if necessary.  99% of the time, over the counter Ibuprofen is all that is needed.

It is important to remember that once the root canal has been completed, the tooth will require further treatment.  That usually involves a filling and a crown.  Occasionally, a front tooth only requires a filling.

Not all endodontic therapy is successful.  If the root is fractured, infection is unresponsive to antibiotics, or canals are blocked, success rates drop sharply.  If we can foresee possible complications, Dr. Chunn may refer you to a specialist (Endodontist).  Our patients enjoy an extremely high success rate for root canals treated by Dr. Chunn.

Once a root canal has been completed, it is normal for you to experience some “soreness”  near the tip of the root for a couple of days.  You can usually feel this soreness by chewing with this tooth.  There is a big difference between being sore, and being in pain.  You should have no pain and should call Dr. Chunn personally if you are truly hurting. 

Extraction is the other option, but not a good one in most cases.  It becomes more expensive and time consuming to replace a missing tooth.