• Root canal is a treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. The term "root canal" comes from cleaning of the canals inside a tooth's root.

  • When a tooth is cracked or chipped or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp. The pulp is the tooth’s softcore, it contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Injury to the tooth also can cause pulp damage and inflammation.

  • You need a root canal if your tooth is cracked,chipped or has a deep cavity.

  • According to the Journal of Endodontics, 98 percent of root canals last one year, 92 percent last five years, and 86 percent last ten years or longer.

  • 1) One of the most common signs you may need a root canal is severe tooth pain. You may also notice more pain when you touch the tooth. However, if you`re suffering from sharp, stabbing pain, there's a good chance your dentist will need to perform a root canal.

    2) Do you experience sensitivity when drinking either hot or cold beverages? This is an indication of an infected nerve in one of your teeth.

    3) If you have swollen gums, keep an eye on it. Inflammation of the gums is very common. A number of oral problems can cause it, including gingivitis, food getting stuck in the gum line, or oral injury. That being said, if the swelling is sudden and under a particular tooth, there might be an infection. If this swelling doesn’t go away in a week book an appointment to see your dentist.

    4) Sores on your gums. Yes, you can get sores from eating or drinking acidic or hot items. But, if you get white pimple-like sores on your gums around one area in your mouth - call your dentist. These white pimple-like sores contain bacteria.

    5) If you have a chipped tooth. When a tooth is cracked or chipped or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp. The pulp is the tooth’s softcore, it contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Injury to the tooth also can cause pulp damage and inflammation.

    6) Untreated cavity. If you have an untreated cavity, it will spread into the root and infect the nerve of the tooth. If this happens, a root canal and crown is your only option.

  • Short answer no. The reason why root canals don’t hurt during the procedure is because dentists use local anesthesia before the procedure to numb the tooth and its surrounding areas. That being said, it is normal to feel discomfort for a few days after the procedure.

  • Infection to the pulp of the tooth is the reason why you would need a root canal. The pulp is the tooth’s softcore, it contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.

  • The average root canal treatment is about 60 minutes long. More complex cases may take around 90 minutes.

  • Infection to the pulp of the tooth is the reason why you would need a root canal. The pulp is the tooth’s softcore, it contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.

  • You can eat 30 to 45 minutes after a root canal, which is enough time to allow your temporary filling to fully harden.

  • You should eat soft foods after a root canal.

    Some examples are:

    ​​smoothies

    yogurt

    ice cream

    milkshakes

    mashed potatoes

    macaroni and cheese

    bananas

    applesauce

    pudding

    hummus

  • No. Smoking is not recommended.

  • If you were not sedated, you will be able to drive yourself home in most cases.

  • Root canal alternatives include extracting the damaged tooth, no further treatment, or replacing the tooth with a dental implant, bridge or removable partial denture.