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Frequently Asked Questions

COMMON QUESTIONS

Will the treatment be painful?
Fortunately, modern anesthetics can make the procedure pain free in most cases. We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is comfortable. Seeking treatment early makes the procedure more comfortable, so it is important not to wait until the pain is severe. For certain cases, such as people experiencing severe pain, additional anesthetic administered through specialized techniques is required to alleviate pain and ensure the procedure is comfortable. Dr. Wilson will make sure you are profoundly numb and comfortable before starting treatment.

Will I feel pain after the procedure?
For the first few days after treatment, it is common to experience a mild ache in the area and some sensitivity to biting pressure, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like Advil or Tylenol) are recommended for a day or two. Please see Post Root Canal Information for further information

Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?
Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office 6 to 12 months after the procedure was finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment. Why do I need a consultation appointment before my root canal? It is important to make sure that the tooth in question needs root canal treatment. If you are experiencing pain it is important to determine if the tooth in question is the source of pain or if another tooth or structure is the source of pain. Symptoms and irregularities on an X-Ray could be a Periodontal (the gums) problem or perhaps an anatomical structure that is sometimes perceived as an infection. If root canal treatment is needed, proper examination will allow us to see if the tooth will be amendable to treatment.

What happens during a consult appointment?
Before your appointment you may receive an email for online registration. If email is not available to you we will have you fill out your information on our computer. After this is completed you will be seated in one of our rooms, where we will take diagnostic dental radiographs of the area in question. Dr. Wilson will evaluate the soft tissue and the tooth (area) in question. Testing will be performed to check the vitality of the tooth in question as well as the tooth in front and back of it. We may use hot, cold, pressure, etc. After the exam Dr. Wilson will review the findings and go over all the treatment options. We take a conservative approach to treatment. If the diagnosis is questionable we may recommend no treatment, and monitor the tooth (area) as needed. During the consultation Dr. Wilson welcomes any questions the patients may have.

Can I go back to work after my root canal?
Having a root canal is like having a deep filing. When you leave our office, you will still be numb. However you can resume your day as you normally would. What if I have questions after my root canal? Patients are welcome to call with questions at any time. If the office is closed and you are experiencing an emergency you may contact Dr. Wilson by leaving a message through the office emergency voicemail at (541) 768-0419. This message is forwarded directly to Dr. Wilson and he will return your call as soon as possible.

Why would I need a root canal?
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The most common reasons for inflammation or infection are deep cavities (caries), repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips. Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discoloration of the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, swelling of the gums, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.

Why did my dentist refer me to an endodontist?
All dentists receive basic training in root canal treatment. However, some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat. That's why you may have been referred to an endodontist. In addition to dental school, endodontists receive two or more years of advanced education and training in this area. They study root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth, for diagnosis and treatment of more difficult cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked canals, or unusual anatomy. For this reason, many dentists choose to refer their patients to endodontists. Also, since endodontists specialize in root canal procedures they often have more specialized and sophisticated tools such as operating microscopes, ultrasonics and digital imaging, to make the procedure quicker and easier for you.

Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment?
You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure can save the tooth.

What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need additional treatment?
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may discover additional very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial procedure.

Can all teeth be treated endodontically?
Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. When endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.

What new technologies are being used?

How long will the procedure take?
This varies depending on the procedure that needs to be completed, the tooth in question, and the presence of infection or other complications. In general, treatment appointments are one hour to one and a half hours. Most cases can be treated in a single visit, however more complicated cases typically require additional appointments.