A dentist tells you how to choose
By Andrew Howard, D.M.D.
Root canals get a bad rap: the perception of the procedure is mired in antiquated thinking.
Newer, longer-acting anesthetics have been developed that help to deaden the tooth, allowing the dentist to work on a very numb and comfortable patient. The dental drill spins at much higher speeds than it used to; this means much less vibration on the tooth, and therefore less postoperative pain. Better microscopes have been developed to allow dentists to more accurately manipulate instruments within a fraction of a millimeter inside the tooth, leading to a more delicate procedure and better results.
While the dental treatment has improved, communication is equally important. Talk with your doctor and ask him or her the questions that are on your mind – this will reduce stress related to the procedure. Here are some possible questions to ask (with some answers from our “visiting dentist”).
| A Patient’s Top Concerns/Questions | Overlapping Goals Talk to your doctor about these issues. | The Doctor’s Top Concerns/Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Am I going to feel anything during the procedure? | Once the area is numb, pain should be minimal to nonexistent. The procedure usually lasts about 45 minutes, during which time you can relax in the chair, listen to music or even watch TV. | 1. Will the patient tolerate the procedure well? 2. Will the patient be comfortable during the treatment? |
| 2. Am I going to feel anything after the procedure? | A doctor will often suggest the patient take over-the-counter analgesics, or a prescription, if necessary. Someone is always on call should pain need a doctor’s attention. | 3. Will the patient have any discomfort at night? |
| 3. What is a root canal? | A root canal is a cleaning out of the main compartment of the tooth to remove decay, infection or another process causing pain. Once it is completed, the doctor will look at an X ray to make sure everything was properly removed and what’s left is intact. | 4. Will the root canal look perfect on the X ray when completed? |
| 4. Do I need a crown after a root canal? | A temporary crown will often be fitted over the tooth. A patient must return for a permanent crown to ensure the best postoperative care, fit and aesthetic results. | 5. Will the patient return for a crown on the tooth? |
| 5. Will my insurance cover a root canal treatment? | Depending on the practice policies, either the dentist or patient will submit the procedure to the insurance company for reimbursement. A patient may also seek to obtain confirmation of coverage prior to the procedure. Root canals are generally reimbursed at some amount. |
Andrew Howard, D.M.D, has a private practice in general and cosmetic dentistry in Morristown, New Jersey. Dr. Howard always tells his patients that there is less pain involved in a root canal than waiting in a long line at the Department of Motor Vehicles.