Question 1

Do you perform root canals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on all teeth including molars. Modern techniques, magnification, ultrasonic instruments, and bioceramic sealing materials make the procedure more precise and more comfortable than most patients expect.

Question 2

When is a root canal better than extraction?

Accepted Answer

If the tooth can be saved, a root canal is almost always preferable to extraction. It preserves bone, maintains your bite, and avoids the cost and complexity of replacing the tooth later. Dr. Kary will tell you honestly when a tooth can and cannot be saved.

Question 3

Does a root canal hurt?

Accepted Answer

The procedure itself is done under local anesthetic and is not painful. Most of the pain patients associate with root canals is the pain of the infected tooth beforehand, which the treatment relieves. Sedation is available if you would rather not be aware of any of it.

Question 4

How many visits does a root canal take?

Accepted Answer

Most are completed in a single visit, including molars. Cases involving severe infection, unusual anatomy, or retreatment of a previously treated tooth may need a second appointment. Dr. Kary will tell you which situation you are in before starting.

Question 5

Why do you use a cone-beam CT scan for root canals?

Accepted Answer

A standard X-ray is a flat image of a three-dimensional root system. A cone-beam CT scan shows the actual anatomy, including extra canals, curvature, fractures, and the extent of infection in surrounding bone. It routinely reveals things that would otherwise be missed, and missed anatomy is the most common reason a root canal fails.

Question 6

What are the signs I might need a root canal?

Accepted Answer

Persistent throbbing pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain on biting, a darkening tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the gum near a tooth. Some teeth need treatment with no symptoms at all and are found on an exam. Symptoms that come and go do not mean the problem resolved.

Question 7

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes, particularly on back teeth. A treated tooth has had its interior hollowed out and is more prone to fracture under chewing forces. Because crowns are milled here, the tooth can often be protected without a separate lab wait.

Question 8

What is endodontic retreatment?

Accepted Answer

Retreatment addresses a tooth that had a root canal previously but did not heal or has become reinfected, often because of a canal that was never located. The existing filling material is removed, the canal system is re-cleaned and re-sealed. Cone-beam imaging is used to find what was missed the first time.

Question 9

How long does a tooth last after a root canal?

Accepted Answer

Many last for decades or for life. Success depends on how thoroughly the canal system was cleaned and sealed, whether the tooth was protected with a crown, and your ongoing hygiene. A treated tooth still needs regular exams, since it can still develop decay at the margins.

Question 10

Does insurance cover root canal treatment?

Accepted Answer

Most dental PPO plans cover endodontic treatment, often in the 50 to 80% range depending on whether your plan classifies it as basic or major. Coverage for the crown that follows is usually separate. You receive a written estimate covering both before treatment begins.

Root Canal Therapy

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