Root canal treatment doesn't cause pain, it relieves pain. The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago but with modern technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is often no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. 

What happens at the initial visit?

A typical visit begins with completing paperwork, which includes your medical history and consent forms. Please bring a list of all the medications (over-the-counter and prescription) that you regularly take or have taken within the past month. Once all forms are complete, an assistant will review and chart your chief complaint, referring dentist’s information and history of the tooth pain. Your endodontist will review your paperwork and evaluate your symptoms prior to testing the tooth in question along with adjacent teeth. After the tests are complete, a diagnosis will be given and your endodontist will discuss your treatment options. The endodontist will make you aware of the benefits, options and risks involved in order for you to understand how endodontic treatment can relieve your pain and save your tooth. If you are scheduled to receive treatment, the procedure may start immediately. If you are appointed for a consultation, treatment will be scheduled for a later date. 

Before treatment begins, you will receive local anesthesia to numb any sensations you may feel during the procedure. With modern techniques and anesthetics most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. If the procedure is unable to be completed within one visit, medicine may be placed inside the tooth between appointments. Once your procedure is complete, more X-rays are taken to track the success of the treatment. You will be provided with post-operative instructions at the end of the appointment. Be sure to contact your endodontist if you have any questions or concerns regarding your treatment. 

You might experience some tenderness to biting after a root canal, however, this sensitivity is usually relieved by over-the-counter or prescription medication. Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully. A doctor from our office is always on call should you have a dental emergency. Unless you’ve had some type of sedation, you will be fine to drive home after your treatment.  

Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain please call our office. 

The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.