• All posterior (back) teeth need crowns on them after they have root canal therapy otherwise they will fracture or leak (bacteria will invade the inner surfaces of the tooth).  Some front teeth don’t need a crown after a root canal depending on the scenario.  If a crown isn’t placed on teeth when needed the root canal can’t be warrantied if it fails.

• Root canals take 1 to 2 visits.  Since each person can have different anomalies in the internal structure of the tooth and each tooth is different within the mouth it may be hard to predict how long the treatment will take.  On average a root canal treatment takes 1 -1 ½ hours.

• When a root canal is needed the only other option is to have the tooth extracted.  It is important to consider replacement options i.e. implants, bridges, or removable dentures.  Each person is unique and certain options may be better or not be an option at all depending on your specific scenario

If there is an active infection that is causing pain then antibiotics may be necessary.  If there is no infection yet or if the infection is draining then antibiotics may not be necessary.

Unfortunately no.  The antibiotics can take away the pain and calm the infection down but it will eventually come back if the cause of the infection isn’t treated.

Your tooth will be numb during your procedure.  In the unlikely event that you are feeling something during your treatment simply let the doctor know and he will be sure to get you out of pain.

Most people have tenderness and sensitivity a couple of days after root canal treatment.  About 1 in 20 patients have a flare up after a root canal meaning they have more intense pain or swelling.  In such an instance antibiotics should calm the area down.