What To Expect From A Root Canal Treatment?

New dentistry of root canal treatment doesn't hurt. Comon cliche of hurting like root canal treament is so old. Actually, there is a scientific reason that the modern root canal treatment doesn't hurt. Old method of treating root canal was using sharp needle-like instrument called file. When the file is turn clockwise, it is natural motion to push little infection toward the end of the root, which causes pain. Newer technique uses Niti wire (memory wire that keeps its shape). It is turn counterclock wise and bring all the debris outward. That is why modern root canal treatment rarely hurts the patient.

After the root canal treatment is done, it is critical to fix the top portion of the tooth. The house analogy is so perfect here. The root canal treatment is like fixing the basement. And crown is like putting a roof of the house. Actually, number one reason tooth is failed after the root canal treatment is not having proper top/cover. Depends on the situation, crown can be changed to other very durable restoarions. But rarely filling alone is strong enough for the tooth after the root canal treatment.

Well done root canal treated tooth is supposed to last lifetime. But over lifetime, the tooth might be sensitive once in a while. Please mention it to me during the checkup visits. I often tell the patient that it is small price to pay to keep your tooth. After all, keeping your tooth with root canal treatment is so much better than the best implant tooth.