I am not getting one. But I was wondering how long they usually last. I've heard a lot of bad things like they eventually break and the tooth decays, but I was too sure how reliable my source is. lol. Also maybe if someone could explain how a Root Canal is performed. Mostly wondering because it sounds interesting, and sort of gross and brutal. lol.
2007-10-30 00:53:33 · 7 answers · asked by Donovan 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Root canals are necessary, when the nerve in the tooth has been affected by tooth decay. That's when the tooth really starts hurting, ofting in a throbbing manner. If you want to keep the tooth, the nerve needs to be removed and the void is filled in with Guttapercha and other materials specifically for this purpose. This is done to seal the canals tightly to prevent bacteria getting back in the tooth.
Most root canals are very successful, about 96%. The problems often start, when patients are not following the necessary procedures. If the treatment takes several visits and the patient does not return when requested and waits to schedule, that will give bacteria the opportunity to start a new infection. Also, a crown is usually recommended, since teeth become more brittle after the nerve and blood vessels are removed. If that step is not done, the tooth very likely will break in the future.
Root canals may or may not be uncomfortable. The sooner the treatment is done, the better. If the area is already pretty irritated, the higher the chances that the numbing will not work as hoped. Afterwards there is usually some soreness, almost like bruising, from the instruments that are inserted repeatedly into the canal.
The instruments look like min drillbits and if you have a nice dentist, ask the next time you go, if they would show them to you.
If you are told that you need a root canal and you do not want one, the only other option is to remove the tooth. Fillings are only for teeth that have intact nerves.
I had one done about 10 years ago and do not have any problems with the tooth. The most uncomfortable part was keeping my mouth open for such a looooong time, but I was very numb and did harldy feel anything. But then again, everybody is different.
2007-10-30 01:13:59 · answer #1 · answered by Solitairie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can last more than 20 yrs, or fail withing 6 months, depending on the amount of infection that was present, number of roots, its shape and how it was handled. By and large there are more success stories.
In 'general' more success in the anterior teeth with single roots than posterior teeth with multiple roots, as it may be simpler.
Root canal is needed when the nerve within the tooth is damaged or infected. It may 'sound' brutal or gross, but not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia. The bum nerve in the canal is removed, infection drained, root canals cleaned and then filled and sealed with a good non reactive safe material.
2007-10-30 01:04:04 · answer #2 · answered by DownToEarth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had several. They drill holes in the tooth and pull out the infected roots and medicate the empty space and fill the holes. Not really painful but rather expensive. Most dentists will recommend that you put a crown on the tooth after a root canal to preserve it. A crowned tooth can last for 20+ years.
2007-10-30 01:02:29 · answer #3 · answered by Diane M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
and for the rest of the story...sometimes they do not work.
I had a root canal on Friday morning, holes were drilled into each root of the tooth etc. While numb oh I thought relief now but omg was I wrong. Yesterday I ended up having oral surgery and removal of the rest of the tooth under where my crown was to be. Face looks like a baseball in my chin & neck, fever, hurting but at least they got the tooth part out.
Root canal $748. Surgery $642. Crown back in June had cost me around $800....now I will have to buy a implant or something to fill that space up for the crown is useless.
Good luck if you need one and hope yours comes out better.
2007-10-30 01:13:56 · answer #4 · answered by Gypsygrl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I got a root canal done and it takes about an hour and a half and what they do is they make a hole on the tooth to get to the nerve on the bottom and take it out so you won't feel pain any more then they seal the tooth close with a filling.
2007-10-30 00:59:19 · answer #5 · answered by SeraPhim 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amusing
2016-05-26 02:02:02 · answer #6 · answered by lorretta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the skills of the dentist. If the cap is fitted properly, it should last for years. From http://drcaird.com
2007-10-30 03:47:27 · answer #7 · answered by new t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋