No! We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is comfortable. If treatment is needed, the tooth will be gently numbed. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
A local anesthetic will be given to thoroughly numb your tooth. A protective sheet of plastic called a rubber dam will be placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry during treatment. The infected or inflamed tissue is then removed and a filling material is placed into the canals. The number of visits will depend on your particular case. Most treatments take two visits, but some are just a single visit. Occasionally, three or more appointments are needed. Root canal treatment or endodontic therapy has a very high degree of success. We will discuss with you the chances of success before any endodontic procedure to help you make an informed decision.
We will inform you of any any additional treatment needed in our office or in your general dentist’s office. Often root canal treated teeth will require a crown to be done by your general dentist.
When your endodontic therapy is completed, the doctor will explain whether or not your tooth will need additional treatment at your general dentist's office. The doctor will explain what type of restoration he placed and what, if any, additional treatment your tooth will require. The doctor will work closely with your general dentist to provide the best outcome for you. We would like to see you in our office one year after completion of the root canal treatment to ensure that the tooth is healing properly. There will be no charge for this follow up visit, and you will be contacted when we feel it is appropriate to check the area.