Root Canal Restoration

Did you have a root canal and now your dentist says you need to have your tooth restored? Buffalo Endodontist Dr. McCann can fix your tooth through root canal restoration. Call our Buffalo office today to find out more.

Buffalo Endodontist Explains Root Canal Restoration

This educational video was brought to you by Dr. Aaron McCann, an experienced Buffalo Endodontist specializing in root canals.

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As an experienced Buffalo Endodontist, I am often asked if root canal restoration will be required after a root canal procedure.

  • Many patients are referred to us by their dentists who will usually recommend some type of root canal restoration treatment after we complete our root canal.
  • If the tooth is a big molar with large fillings or significant decay, the most frequent recommendation is to cover the tooth with a crown or cap to protect it.
  • For front teeth, we may be able to provide a treatment that eliminates the need for major restorative work.

Are you unsure if you need root canal restoration?  Contact dedicated Buffalo Endodontist Dr. Aaron McCann for immediate assistance.

Root Canal FAQs

What types of sedation are available for a root canal?

Concerns about he procedure being painful are fallacious. The procedure in itself is guaranteed to be painless. Patients sometimes wonder about sedation, or whether the experience itself is something they don’t want to remember. To be honest, the procedure should be uneventful, even boring. I have never sedated a patient, and there are several reasons not to do so. In addition to the cost of sedation, you’ll have to have a driver. You’ll lose a whole day of work, and need someone to watch you until the sedation wears off. We make the experience both comfortable and pleasant for you so that, once the anesthesia wears off, you can go about your normal life.

How should I prepare for a root canal?

If you need a root canal, there’s nothing to prepare and nothing special to do. Take a deep breath – and then come to our office and let us take care of you. We’ll keep you comfortable and take care of your issue.

Should I take any medication before the treatment?

Prior to your first visit, you don’t want to take any medications other than the normal daily medications prescribed by your primary care physician. Pain management medications could mask the discomfort we’re trying to alleviate and make the diagnosis more difficult.

Can I get a root canal done when I am congested?

Going to the dentist while you’re congested or with a sinus infection should be alright. We can usually work through that. If you’re really having a difficult time and are concerned about lying back for the hour we’re working on you, we might reschedule. I recommend talking to your dentist or endodontist immediately if you have dental pain. Don’t postpone seeking treatment because of congestion.

What steps should I take after a root canal?

After your root canal, you may wonder what to expect. When the anesthesia wears off, there is usually some soreness or a dull achiness. Ibuprofen (if you can take it) will usually manage any issues you might have. We recommend that you avoid chewing on the tooth until after you see your general dentist.

Will I be in pain after a root canal?

We expect you to have zero pain. Afterward, you’ll be numb for a few hours, but can go right back to work, play sports, or do whatever you normally would. Once the anesthesia wears off, expect a dull achiness or mild throbbing, but that’s the extent of your discomfort. Most teeth will be slightly tender for chewing, and that will continue briefly. We usually recommend over-the-counter pain medication if you’re medically able to take it.

How long will I be numb?

You will be numb for a few hours following the procedure. However, everyone is different, so some might be numb for less time and others, longer.

Can I drive after a root canal?

The numbness that accompanies a root canal is no different from that you experience during a filling or having your teeth cleaned – if your dentist numbs you for a cleaning. When you leave our office, you can drive yourself and return to work or go about normal activities.

Can I eat right after a root canal?

We recommend taking your usual medications and eating whatever you normally would prior to having a root canal. After the procedure, you will be numb, just as if you had a filling done, and won’t want to eat for a while. It’s best to wait for the numbness to go away before eating to avoid biting your tongue.

Do I need to take any special care after a root canal?

Many patients are referred to us by their dentists who will usually recommend some type of restorative treatment after we complete our root canal. If the tooth is a big molar with large fillings or significant decay, the most frequent recommendation is to cover the tooth with a crown or cap to protect it. For front teeth, we may be able to provide a treatment that eliminates the need for major restorative work.

How often will I need to visit the office after treatment?

Patients accustomed to visiting their dentist – and those who consult an endodontist for a root canal – should expect to make multiple visits. Statistically, no real benefit has been realized from a multi-visit approach and most of our procedures are completed in a single visit. If we feel you would benefit from another visit, we leave a medication inside the tooth and set a follow-up appointment. That appointment will last only 20 to 30 minutes, and you can expect to miss only half a day for your procedure.

What happens after I receive a temporary filling?

After leaving our office, we ask you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth because it will usually be a little tender for a couple of weeks. The tenderness is completely manageable as long as you avoid chewing on that tooth. Most endodontists place a temporary filling in the tooth, and you will return to your general dentist for a permanent filling or a crown – whichever is best for you.

What happens to the tooth after a root canal?

People fear that their tooth will become brittle following a root canal, but that is not true. Your tooth is actually healthier after the procedure. You leave our office with a temporary filling and return to your dentist for a crown or other permanent restorative procedure.

What is the success rate for a root canal treatment?

Success rates for root canal treatments are very high. Root canal treatment on a live, non-infected tooth is almost always successful. When we complete your treatment, we fully expect that proper restorative treatment from your dentist will ensure that your tooth will be there for years.

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