Root Canals at Dr. Elston Wong Dentistry
Get your smile back
When a tooth has had irreversible damage to the nerve, there are only two options: either the tooth has to be extracted, or an attempt can be made to save the tooth via a root canal.
Root canals (endodontics) involve removing the nerve in order to save the rest of it. Before work is done, there are many things to consider: the amount of original tooth structure remaining, gum support, adjacent and opposing teeth, the strategic position of the tooth, and more. Sometimes a tooth is better off being extracted than being saved.
If a root canal is the best choice, we utilize a microscope to ensure all the dead and dying material has been properly cleaned out to prevent reinfection by bacteria. Did you know a tooth looks the same before and after a root canal? Swing on over to our case studies to see x-rays of an actual root canal case!
Fast facts
Root-canaled back teeth should have crowns placed to prevent fracture.
Root-canaled front teeth typically do not need crowns unless fillings won’t hold.
Teeth receiving crowns do not necessarily need root canals first.
Root canals are very invasive to the tooth, so careful evaluation is done first.
The process
Step One
Assess the need for a root canal – commonly this is done through a combination of clinical examination, pulp testing, X-ray, and sometimes CBCT.
Step Two
Remove the dead/dying nerve from the inside of the tooth. This is done with a series of small flexible files that clean the canal space. We then use several antibacterial irrigants to disinfect the hollow area.
Step Three
Following disinfection, the final step is filling up the canals so bacteria are kept out, and sealing up the initial access hole.
Let the results speak for themselves
Looking for real life transformations? Take a look at some before and after examples.
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Root Canals FAQs
Is a root canal painful?
Root canals likely have a reputation for pain not because they are inherently painful, but because they are often performed on actively hurting teeth. These teeth, also called “hot” teeth, are often more difficult to freeze due to the associated inflammation. Before we start any root canal, we aim to completely numb the tooth.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal is sometimes done in one visit, sometimes two (or even more!) It depends on the number of canals, the complexity of the case, the stubbornness of infection, and maybe just the time available! In the case of one-visit root canals, they will usually take 1.5-2.5 hours, including the associated filling.
Should I get a root canal or extraction?
Often people look at the cost of a root canal and compare it to the lower cost of an extraction. However, if you consider the costs of replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge, extractions will be more costly in the long run – and artificial teeth are never as good as the real thing. The times that extractions are preferred are usually situations where there is so much damage to the tooth that we doubt its long term survivability.
Does my insurance cover root canals?
In most cases, root canals are considered routine dental care and would be eligible for insurance benefits. Each individual insurance differs though, so the only way to know would be to check with the insurance carrier directly. Of course, even if covered, there are typically yearly maximums that will limit the degree of coverage (and we know that insurance is in the business of minimizing payouts).
What are some clues that a root canal is needed?
Pain coming from a tooth is not the only time that root canals may be indicated. Sometimes tooth pain is absent, and the nerve has already died completely. The best way to tell would be proper assessment, by means of clinical examination, testing with cold and/or electricity, and appropriate X-rays.
Are root canals safe?
Yes. The evidence is quite clear that when done properly and on sufficiently strong teeth, root canals can significantly extend the survival of teeth.
Why is it worth doing a root canal when it just breaks later?
This story is a common one, but it turns out that it’s usually due to a root canaled back tooth that did not have a crown placed afterwards. Moral of the story: if you’re going to try to save a back tooth via root canal, plan to have a crown placed on it afterwards! Otherwise, catastrophic tooth fracture is a huge risk.
