Frequently Asked Questions

Because each patient and each tooth is unique.  Root canal therapy can be a complex procedure, that may require several visits before the procedure can be completed.

For the tooth to have the best prognosis, it is usually best to get a new crown on a tooth with a root canal. If there isn’t any new decay around the edges of the crown, a new crown may not be necessary.

To keep teeth that have had a root canal their strongest, it is generally recommended that you get a crown to help protect the tooth. Published studies have suggested that teeth having had a root canal are 6 times more likely to fracture if they don’t get a crown after the root canal is completed.

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

• Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
• Bone loss around the tip of the root
• Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

Sometimes no symptoms are present; however, signs you may need a root canal include:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed)
• Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

The American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. Our office also recommends a minimum of two visits per year.

Please review the “Procedures” section of the website to learn more information about the steps involved in your next appointment.

The purpose of performing root canal treatment is to disinfect the inside of the tooth.  The final filling material that is placed deep inside the roots of the tooth is intended to provide the best seal so the tooth doesn’t become reinfected.  Over time, this seal may begin to breakdown, allowing the tooth to become reinfected.

In many cases, teeth can become infected.  Often this infection is limited to the hard tissue of the tooth, however in more established infections, the tissue surrounding the roots of teeth may become infected.  It is rare that an infection spreads beyond the area of the tooth, however occasionally this may occur.  If you suspect your tooth is infected, it is always best to seek appropriate care.

Infections within the tooth are unique from other types of medical infections.  Because a tooth infection is confined inside the tooth, antibiotics which are in circulation through your bloodstream are not available to fight the infection in the tooth.  In order to best treat an infection in the tooth, root canal therapy is performed. In the most severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Please call as soon as you determine that you have an emergency. We will be glad to schedule you promptly if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. After hours, over the weekend and during holidays, please call Dr.Coleman’s cell phone in the event of an emergency.