*How to Recognize When a Root Canal Is Needed----

Step 1:
Check to see if the tooth develops spontaneous pain--that is, pain that doesn't come from either chewing or from eating very hot or cold foods (which can cause a healthy tooth to throb). It may suggest decay in the pulp of the tooth, which means that a root canal is needed to clear out the rotting tissues and restore health to the mouth.

Step 2:
Wait for the pain to diminish after you have eaten cold food like ice cream. Teeth are sensitive to extreme temperature changes and they will normally ache after eating something very cold. However, if the aching doesn't diminish for a minute or longer once the food is swallowed, you may want to look into a root canal.

Step 3:
Recognize the sensation when a tooth exhibits no response to temperature change whatsoever. If hot or cold food produces no aches in a tooth, the nerves may be dead or decayed and must be removed before the bacteria causes more damage.

Step 4:
Examine the gums for swelling, excessive tenderness or discoloration. When a root canal is needed in a tooth, the surrounding tissue may be irritated or inflamed, making it easier to notice. A root canal performed properly will diminish such irritation and help the gums return to normal.

Step 5:
Ask your dentist to take x-ray pictures. This is the surest and most dependable sign that a root canal is needed. You can recognize when a tooth requires a root canal if a shadow appears near its apex on the x-ray: this isn't the only sign that the tooth is in trouble, but it remains one of the most reliable.



Tips & Warnings

Only a dentist can truly recognize when a root canal is needed. If you suspect that you may require one, make an appointment and get a formal diagnosis before jumping to any conclusions.
Regular oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent a root canal and to keep a tooth healthy after one is performed. Brush and floss regularly after meals and stay away from activities like smoking, which can damage your teeth through poisons in the smoke.


http://www.siteadmincp.com/sites/site137/site_images/intro_root_canal.jpg




*BEFORE A ROOT CANAL--


Step
1
Get enough rest and eat before the procedure. You need to keep up your strength because a root canal often involves spending an extended amount of time in a dentist's chair.

Step
2
Expect an anesthetic. The most painful part for most people involves the anesthetic that is injected into your gums. If you are worried about the pain, pop an over-the-counter pain reliever a half an hour before the visit.

Step
3
Use ibuprofen following the root canal. This helps to relieve both the pain and inflammation that occurs after the dental procedure.

Step
4
Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. To keep the tooth intact until it has been completely restored, you should not chew with that tooth. You don't want an extra visit to the dentist's office.

Step
5
Contact your dentist's office if you feel a lot of pain and tenderness at the root canal site. They can let you know if what you are experiencing is normal or not and perhaps prescribe a stronger pain reliever.



http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2006/11/Tesco-Ibuprofen_450x361.jpg

http://www.sinbisika.com/easily_files/13-4.jpg

http://dontdatethatdude.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/root-canal.jpg


What to Expect During a Root Canal--

A root canal is a dental procedure to fix a tooth that cannot be filled or restored any other way. If the tooth is severely decayed into the pulp of the tooth and / or infected, root canal treatment is usually the only option to save the tooth. Your regular dentist might do the root canal, but he / she may send you to an endodontist.

What to Expect

After the dentist numbs your tooth, he / she may use a rubber dam to keep the tooth area dry and free of saliva. A rubber dam is simply a piece of rubber that fits over the tooth and isolates it from the rest of the mouth. The dentist will then prepare the tooth by drilling an opening. After the dentist removes all of the decay and bacteria, he / she will use root canal files to clean out the canals (roots) of the tooth.

Root canal files are small instruments that increase in diameter and fit down into the canals enabling the dentist to remove the pulp of the tooth.

Some dentists like to wait a week or two before they finish a root canal, to make sure that there is no discomfort or further infection. If this is the case, the dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth and usually put some soothing medicine inside and seal it closed with a temporary filling material.

At the final stage of a root canal treatment, the dentist will usually fill the canals with a rubber filling material called gutta percha. After the canals are filled, a regular filling will be placed in the tooth.

Facts to Consider

After a tooth has had a root canal, it can become dry and brittle and easy to break. A crown is usually recommended to restore the tooth properly. The cost of a root canal on a molar (back tooth) averages around $800.00 and more if a root canal specialist performs the procedure. A crown averages around $900.00. Although the cost of a root canal is extensive, the only other alternative to a root canal is the removal of the tooth. If the tooth is removed, a bridge, implant or partial is recommended to fill in the gap because the other teeth can become crooked by shifting around.

Most root canals are successful (about 95%), but there is always the chance of a new infection, which could require another root canal or removal of the tooth.

Summary

A root canal doesn’t have to be scary if you know what to expect. Express any concerns or questions you might have with your dentist and be sure to keep up with regular check up appointments, because a root canal is an investment that should be protected.


http://kenixloh.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/rootcanal.gif


SOURCE-- ABOUT.COM


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Root_Canal_Illustration.png/800px-Root_Canal_Illustration.png


*What to do for root canal pain relief --

The post root canal pain is usually managed with over the counter pain medications. If the pain is intense the dentist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or a stronger analgesic to provide pain relief.

Eat a soft diet for at least two days and do not to chew on the treated side until the tenderness is gone.

Avoid very hot or cold foods between dental visits until the tooth is filled.

Warm salt-water rinses can help relieve the pain.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LjV0VKeeX_o/Ro-rA-z9V5I/AAAAAAAAAF4/VFj8xnn0-5A/P1012421.JPG

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2401/2201689005_55e95ca36c.jpg


WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT:---

It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit a dull ache immediately after receiving root-canal therapy. This should subside within a few days (or even weeks).
This occurs because of conditions, which existed before treatment was started. Experience shows that if there was pain prior to treatment there maybe a degree of pain that will continue for a few days after the procedure. Remember that pain radiates. You may feel sensations of discomfort that are not related to the treated area during the healing process. This can be created by inflammation in this area and/or due to increase in blood volume that natural occurs in the healing process.

Your tooth will be sensitive to biting pressure and may even appear to feel loose. This feeling is a result of the sensitivity of nerve-ending in the tissue just outside the end of the root, where we will clean, irrigate, place a filler and sealer material and a filling. This feeling will be short-lived. Warm salt-water rinses for two days after treatment will help.




*What To Do Before Your Next Appointment:----


You will view patient education about root canal therapy.

The affected tooth may be tested for hot and cold. If the pain goes right away after cold testing the pulp may not be irreversibly inflamed and may not need a root canal. If the pain lingers for 30 seconds after or more after cold testing, then it's irreversible pulpitis and it needs root canal.

Please wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing. A sleeve may need to be rolled up to allow monitoring of your blood pressure.

Please refrain from wearing heavy facial make-up. Complimentary make-up is available after your surgery.

Be as comfortable as possible before and after your care. take a non-narcotic analgesic like Motrin or Alleve before your appointment to increase your comfort. take acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen to relieve any post treatment discomfort. Please take none of these medications if you have a bad reaction or are allergic to them.

Please do not take any aspirin for 10 days before treatment.

Medications may be prescribed. These will be taken prior to and/or after surgery. Please take these according to the directions on the bottle. If you have been given Penicillin V take 2 pills 4 hours for 48-72 hours, then complete prescription taking 1 pill every 6 hours.

Medications prescribed by your physician should be taken at their regular time and dosage unless otherwise instructed . Please tell of any over the counter or prescribed medications you are presently taking.

Refer to pain control article.

You may want to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that has the infection.

Sleep with your head in an elevated position if you do not have any physical limitations.

Eat a soft diet and avoid hard, chewy and sticky foods.

Alcoholic beverages must be avoided 12 hours before treatment and 48 hours after the treatment.

Do not smoke for 12 hours before treatment and for 72 hours after root canal therapy.



http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/uploads/images/no%20smoking_p6%231%23.jpg

http://www.littlerocksmiles.com/sites/hinson/images/00000066.JPG


*How to Recognize the Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal

Step 1:
Notice excessive tooth pain that does not fade over time. A certain amount of ache usually accompanies a root canal--lingering after-effects of the condition it corrected--but if the pain persists over time or grows worse, it may signal that the root canal has failed.

Step 2:
Look for a tenderness to the tooth's bite or sensitivity while eating. A post-op root canal always involves a little tenderness, which is why dentists recommend eating soft foods after the procedure. However, sensitivity that lingers or that may flare up again after time has passed may suggest symptoms that your dentist should know about.

Step 3:
Recognize a lack of temperature sensitivity in the tooth. Our teeth tend to respond to extremes in temperature, such as easting ice cream or very hot soup. If the tooth involved in the root canal doesn't reflect those sensitivities, something might be wrong.

Step 4:
Examine your gums around the tooth for swelling or discoloration. Inflamed gums are often the most prominent sign of a failed root canal, as they may mean that the bacteria and decay are continuing to irritate the surrounding tissue.

Step 5:
Watch for the development of a new infection, especially fluid from the tooth. If bacteria seeps back in to the part of the tooth that the dentist cleaned out during the root canal, it can create problems of this nature, resulting in a need to return to the dentist to correct the problem.

Step 6:
Follow up with x-rays from your dentist. While many of these symptoms may suggest a failed root canal, the best way to know for sure is to let your dentist take a new series of x-rays. Generally, changes will appear from one set of x-rays to the next if the root canal has failed.


Tips & Warnings

The best way to recognize the symptoms of a failed root canal is simply to remain in close contact with your dentist. She should be keeping track of your development after the procedure and will know if something goes wrong.
Many symptoms of a failed root canal resemble simple side effects from a successful root canal. Keep track of any symptoms you encounter, but don't panic.

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SOME ARTICLES YOU MAY LIKE TO READ--

*When You Can Seek Alternative to Root Canal----

http://www.answerbag.com/articles/video/When-You-Can-Seek-Alternative-to-Root-Canal/0411f6c1-3294-68c7-9d68-5e9f71f93da0



*Downside of Root Canal Treatment----

http://www.answerbag.com/articles/video/Downside-of-Root-Canal-Treatment/da1423b6-eaf1-b991-206e-a95e8cb6cb20

*Dental Care Tips for After the Root Canal---

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1178521/dental_care_tips_for_after_the_root.html?cat=5

*Root Canal
What is a Root Canal Treatment (KNOL)

http://knol.google.com/k/costas-bougalis/root-canal/iuonjocwdehl/6#

Hi,
Sorry to hear about your root canal. I sympathize with you because I know what a pain it is to get it done.

Ask the doctor for the following things.
Ask for the side effects.
What foods you can eat.
How long the procedure will take.
How much he will charge.
What and how many pain killer you can have.

Recovery time is immediate but, the root canal process is painful unfortunately. I have done two of them till date. What happens actually is that the nerves from your teeth will have to be removed by the dentist and even though he will give you anestshia it will still be very painful.
So what you can do is listen to loud music while he is treating you so that you mind is diverted. This really helps a lot.
Also don't think about the pain before and during the procedure. If you do so, it will only help in increasing the pain.
And lastly, breath in and breath out while you are being treated. Don't hold your breath as it increases the pain (can't explain the scientific reason for this but it does happen). And try to mediated if you can.

Don't forget to carry a handkerchief to wipe off saliva. Also eat well before the root canal process as you probably will not be able to eat for a long-time.

The doctor might also ask you to get an x-ray done before this procedure. So while doing the x-ray don't move and open your teeth unless he says so. This is important. And also ask him beforehand how much it will cost.

Also lastly, if you have any allergies, tell him beforehand just in case he doesn't give prescribe you the wrong medicines.

My last tip. Don't be afraid and chicken out. Remember you need to do this at some point of time. If you don't do it now, you will certainly have to do later. This is not something that you can skip. And if you do so, it will only hurt you more and complicate things further. And do visit your dentist at least twice a year. So that if you have further cavities, it will be detected in its early stage itself.

Thank you.

My significant other had 3 root canals performed at once - took one aspirin and that was it! Don't assume the worst - some people are fortunate to have minimal pain and swelling despite a HUGE amount of dental work. There are some thing that help the entire experience...
1. Make sure you are in good health before undergoing dental work. Tell your dentist if you have had ANY [even very small] burns, sores, cuts or abrasions in your mouth. Also, fevers or illness of any type.
2. Communicate effectively with the dentist in advance and throughout the entire process. Often people expect a bit of pain or try to be brave and suffer through it - even the shots can hurt and cause a lot of excess pain later. Find a dentist that listens and remains alert to YOU throughout.
3. Use ice to help reduce the swelling as soon as possible. One of the biggest causes of pain is swelling - as quickly as possible, use ice immediately once all work is complete.
4. Ask about antibiotics. Anyone with a small heart mumer, certain other conditions etc may require antibiotics in advance of dental work but others may also benefit. Be sure the dentist does a thorough review of your entire mouth and gum health in advance - because of the nature of a root canal - any type of infection can cause more potential complications.
5. Speak to your dentist about holistic alternatives and vitamins. Opinioins vary but Zinc and other vitamins/minerals are known to help speed healing.
6. Get a second opinion before going through the process! We've paid out over 10k in dental work for my spouse - nearly half what it would have been if we hadn't shopped around for a second opinion.
7. Rinse with Hydrogen peroxide - ask your dentist of course but this is an excellent and inexpensive mouthwash that helps reduce the risk of infection especially after deep work.
8. Avoid caffeine, sugar or other "uppers' before dental work.
9. Bring an iPod or something to listen to while they work...you will be glad you did.
10. Buy easy to eat foods like soup for the next 2-3 days. Again, the biggest threat is inflammation which is what often leads to pain. Your gums will be sore so try to make it easy on them to speed healing and reduce pain.
11. Sleep with a propped up pillow to avoid swelling overnight.
12. Use an OTC anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling - DON"T WAIT! Many dentists will give it to you as a prescription and assume the anesthesia will carry until later. Ask for some while still in the office then have the prescription or other filled - remember, everything you can do to reduce swelling reduces pain.

Do I Need A Root Canal?
(? of people who have RCT)
To give you a better understanding of weather or not you need a root canal its best if you first understand dental
pain in general. Toothache pain is very difficult to understand and dental pain can be poorly localized. It’s easier
to understand the reason for your pain, if you first try to imagine the anatomical form of the tooth and nerve. The
nerve is centrally located in the tooth and is anatomically shaped like a tree. In short, there is a trunk, limbs and
thousands of tiny branches which radiate into the surrounding tooth structure. If you have a history of nerve
trauma, for instance, deep decay removal near the nerve, it’s likely and common that many tiny branches of the
nerve were traumatized. This traumatic process will commonly cause swelling of the nerve and tissue inside the
tooth. The result is pain! Dentists universally refer to this nerve swelling as pulpitis. As a general guide, pulpitis
is categorized into two subcategories: “reversible” or “irreversible” and there is a lot of “gray area” in between.
It’s also important to note, each person will uniquely experience dental pain differently.
Reversible Pulpitis
In general, if you have reversible pulpitis your symptoms are:
.. Initially very painful but get better quickly (i.e. 1-2 days)
.. Initiated by a stimulus i.e. chewing, cold or hot
.. Short duration i.e. 30 seconds or less

Patients with reversible pulpitis will usually get considerably better after a few days following their dental visit.
Most often these patients will not require any further therapy. It is normal for Patients with Reversible Pulpitis” to
experience small amounts of sensitivity for as long as a few weeks or even months. In this case, a desensitizing
tooth paste is a great idea. Remember, when symptoms continually get better, it’s likely you are going through
the normal healing process. In all cases, It’s important to make sure your bite feels normal. Remember, you
were numb when you had your filling placed and may not have been able to mark your bite accurately. If your
bite does not feel normal you must return to the dentist for an adjustment! If it is left untreated, a tooth high in the
bite is likely to cause tooth nerve trauma.
Rule out:
. Extreme flash of Sharp pain upon biting-Cause: possible Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Irreversible Pulpitis
On the other hand, as the name implies, Irreversible Pulpitis is permanent nerve damage and ultimately the
tissues of the tooth will necrose or die. Some tips with regard to understanding symptoms of irreversible Pulpitis:
Possible Symptoms
Dull, throbbing, Intense pain
Spontaneous Pain
Continuous pain
The Tooth may be Loose
Lingering pain with thermal changes (esp. cold)
Percussion sensitivity (tap your finger nail on each tooth)
Slight elevation of the tooth out of the socket
Pus drainage around the tooth
Grey colored tooth with a history of trauma
Intra-oral or extra-oral “pimple-like” draining pump or sore.
Possible swollen Lymph nodes
Possible low-grade fever
Rule out:
Common Mouth Sores
Gum Tissue Swellings (Periodontal Disease)
If you suspect Irreversible pulpitis, you should call for an appointment as soon as you can. You can not keep a
tooth that is non-vital and it’s not advisable that you delay needed therapy.
All Of The Gray In Between

In some situations, it is difficult to clinically decide at what point the nerve of the tooth is to be categorized as
“irreversible” and subsequently inform the patient they need a root canal or tooth removal. The former is true
because parts of the tooth nerve often remain alive while the infected tooth is degenerating. Generally speaking,
the more the pain disrupts the patient’s lifestyle, the more likely it is caused by irreversible pathosis. It’s
important to note, each person will uniquely experience pain differently.
Why doesn’t my dentist just take an X-ray and tell me I do or don’t need a Root Canal?
Most of the time, your dentist will be able to clearly advise you based on your symptoms and clinical testing.
Unfortunately, necrotic pulps may not produce radiographic changes in early stages. Other clinical testing and
your symptoms may place you into the in between category or “Gray area.” This is when clinical experience and
clear patient communication play a huge roll. In short, let the patient decide to watch the tooth (1-2 weeks) or
immediately begin treatment.
Initial symptoms of “reversible Pulpitis” can be similar to the classic symptoms of “irreversible Pulpitis”. If you
have extreme pain in the first 24-48 hours, you might decide you just can’t wait to find out whether or not you
may be able to avoid a Root Canal. You may elect to begin the root canal therapy simply to relieve the severe
pain. Remember your dentist does not want to see you suffer, if you are truly “sitting on the fence” between
reversible and irreversible Pulpitis and are experiencing extreme pain, your dentist may agree and advise you to
have a root canal. On the other side of the coin, if you have extreme pain initially and you decide to ride it out
and try to avoid root canal therapy, remember, it’s possible you could have pain for some time and still need the
root canal therapy.
Note from Dr L
If there was some test that could help dentists in all clinical situations, determine with 100% accuracy when a
patients would need a root canal, all dentist would use this test. Unfortunately, there is no such test.
In some situations, the clinical judgment of the dentist with your input is what ultimately helps you to decide the
therapy needed. If you are truly in the gray area you will likely get different advice from a variety of dentists. One
dentist might say, “I’m 100% sure you need a Root Canal”. While still another, may review your symptoms,
explain you options, and help you to decide what is best. By the way, I’m the second dentist. I respect the
opinion of my patients. I will take the time to review your symptoms and explain your options. On the other hand,
if your clinical signs and symptoms clearly indicate that you need a root canal, I will not hesitate to say, you need
a root canal.
For further understanding please review our online section emergency section subsection tooth ache.
In all of the following examples, it is not normal to experience night awakening with continuous throbbing tooth
pain. It is also not normal to experience continuous throbbing pain which is a result of chewing force and/or cold
stimulus. Please note the key words which are; continuous and throbbing pain. If you experience this type of
pain please call our office, you may have indirectly damaged the nerve of the tooth and may need root canal
therapy to save your tooth.
Often when patients present with pain with a longer duration, initially Dr. Landers will treat your tooth situation
conservatively. He will try to save you from root canal therapy. This is when fiber optic dental handpiece
technology is a wonderful advantage and service to our patients. Clinically, the use of fiber optic hand piece
illuminate deep areas of your tooth structure. The improved vision not only allows Dr. Landers to more
accurately remove dental decay, but the improved vision helps avoid the nerve of your tooth. The end result is a
better chance to avoid unneeded root canals.
You can not keep a tooth with an infected nerve. It’s not advisable that you delay needed therapy.
If you have a carious nerve exposure or cracks into the nerve, you will need a Root Canal. You will receive
modern day dental treatment at our office. Dr. Landers uses a mini computer to automatically measure the root
length for accurate cleansing and place medicine to permanently restore your tooth to health. This process is
more accurate and takes less time then older root canal techniques. The end result is less time in the dental
chair, increased comfort, and better therapy.
Infections in the bone move fast or slow and can exist with or without pain. If left undiagnosed, these bone
infections may spread into the soft tissues of the body.
Untreated Dental Infections Can Be Life-Threatening
Ludwig’s angina is potentially life-threatening, rapidly expanding diffuse inflammation which invades the
submandibular (lower Jaw bone) and sublingual (under tongue) spaces. It occurs most often in young adults
with dental infections but can occur at any age.
Link: Rapid Swelling under Tongue & Jaw (Onset: 1 – 2 days)

If you suspect you need a root canal, you should call for an appointment as soon as you can.


this can help you

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/saving/msg0203341110795.html

http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070518203852AAGQeX5

I pretty much agree with Darcey .. I won't detail about whether you need it ..if you need it you need it. :) Well, you can have the whole tooth removed instead, but then you have that annoying gap and unstable teeth. Or there's the bridge option, but that will affect the two neighbouring teeth too. I say just go for the root-canal if you can afford it. (the root-canal isn't expensive, but the crown you need later is.)

Most dentists are cool with your bringing your mp3 player and listening to music or whatever to distract you from what's going on. I talked to my new dentist about my dislike of dental procedures and the pain that goes along with it. So she gives me plenty of injections so I don't feel a thing. I love that. :)

The main time you're likely to feel some pain is after, when the anasthetic wears off. So get yourself some basic pain-killing medicine for after. You can go for the basic Panadeine ones, or I used Nurofen, specifically the Nurofen Plus (which has codeine) and is really good at killing the pain. ..The only side-effect if you use it lots is constipation, so be aware of that. (I wasn't) :)

Recovery time isn't ususally long.. Most of the pain is gone by the next day. You might get the occasional day where it's a little irritated. But in my experience, there's not much pain (if you've used some basic painkillers that day) because the nerve is gone. I find regular fillings are more painful in the short term after you get them, because there's still a nerve in that tooth.

Some dentists don't have a 'soft touch' ..if you don't like the way they do things, don't be afraid to seek someone better. I stopped seeing my last one coz the work he did was rough, painful, and he treated me like a bad child for what I had let happen for my teeth. My current dentist is ten times better, so I have no worries about visiting now.

If you had to get this because you haven't been looking after your teeth well enough, ask your dentist advice on this. Ask about brushing, flossing, mouth wash etc. I did. They have these neat little pills that show up the plaque on your teeth, so you can take them after brushing sometime to see where you're missing. And I only found out by asking that I don't need to go to an electric toothbrush. Manual ones can do just as good a job. (Nice: The vibrations of the electric ones I don't like.)

Okay, that's all the advice I can think of. Just find a dentist you like and stick with them. They're the one clinician you can pretty much guarantee you'll be seeing regularly throughout your life. ;)

Tylenol before and after will help if you get some pain in your teeth, and some ibuprofen will help if you have gum pain. No reason to go overboard on it.

I've had two root canals. So my advice is not scientific, but experience based:

1. BRING HEADPHONES. Listening to your favorite music is a great way to pass the time and tune out the drill.

2. If the dentist offers to show you a video of what will be done, DO NOT WATCH it. Knowing did not help alleviate things

3. If you need a root canal, believe it or not, the pain is usually less AFTER than before.

4. For me, I was recovered by the next day. In all reality, before hand was worse than after. I was given Tylenol with codeine both times (must be the drug of choice because this was by two different doctors about 15 years apart) and didn't even need all of it. This is supported by an article I found on Web MD (see source list).

5. Follow the advice of your dentist regarding eating with that tooth.

6. If you have not been prescribed any pain killers beforehand, take a couple of ibuprofen or naproxen about an hour before. This will help with the pain. Again, I support my experience with the WebMD article (see source list).

7. YourTotalHealth offers a list of questions that a patient should ask their dentist about a root canal (which was reviewed by a licensed dentist):

8. In only 5 percent of cases will something go wrong with the root canal, which may mean additional treatment.

9. If you are experiencing significant pain after your root canal, contact your dentist.