1. Are pain pills and antibiotics an acceptable substitute for root canal?

NO! Pain pills and antibiotics are not an acceptable substitute for root canal treatment. Pain pills and antibiotics simply cover up some of the symptoms. Until proper endodontic (root canal) treatment is performed, the tooth is at risk.


2. Are there any alternative treatments for root canal?

Alternative treament would include extraction (removal) of the tooth.


3. How much will the procedure cost?

Root canal procedures vary in price depending upon the tooth involved and the difficulty involved. Also, some insurance companies will dictate the fees.


4. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?

After the root canal treatment is performed, most of the time the tooth will require a crown or cap be placed. Often, teeth that have had root canal treatment will get brittle and the crown will help prevent further breakdown of the tooth.


5. Can all teeth be treated endodontically?

Most teeth can be treated endodontically.


6.What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with root canal treatment.


7. What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?

Signs of needing endodontic treatment include pain, swelling or infection.


8. What Happens at an Endodontic consultation?

At the endodntic consultation the dentist will discuss treatment options, alternative treatments, treatment risks, as well as the treatment itself.


9. How does the dental pulp become damaged or infected?

The dental pulp can become damaged or infected from trauma, decay, or deep dental restorations. Sometimes the pulp tissue simply gets damaged from "everyday " function.


10. What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is the removal of the pulp tissue (nerves and blood vessels) from the center of the tooth, along with filling in pulp tissue space.


11. What is the dental pulp?

The dental pulp is located in the center of the tooth and consists mainly of nerves, blood vessels and specialized cells.


12. What happens if the pulp gets injured?

The pulp can simply get inflammed or it can die or turn necrotic.  

13. Why does the pulp need to be removed?

If the pulp is irreversibly injured, it can cause an abscess or infection, or a toothache.


14. Why would I need a root canal procedure?

There are several reasons why you may need a root canal procedure such as decay or a cavity into the pulp tissue, necrotic or dead pulp tissue, an abscess or infection. Sometimes the pulp needs to be removed so that the tooth can be restored properly.