frequently asked questions
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal therapy and procedures related to the dental pulp. Endodontists complete dental school, just like your general dentist, and then pursues an extra 2-3 years of residency training focusing specifically on complex cases of diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the dental pulp. Dr. Rudnicki is a board-certified endodontist, meaning he has completed residency training as well as passed the exams of the American Board of Endodontists.
DOES A ROOT CANAL HURT?
The short answer—no. People often associate root canals with severe pain, but the pain is usually related to the infection or inflammation in a tooth before the root canal treatment is completed. Root canals are designed to get you out of pain, and our goal is to get you to that point as smoothly as possible. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding area, and most people don’t feel a single thing during the procedure.
In some cases, the tooth may require extra anesthesia to become 100% numb. This is why we always test the tooth prior to beginning any treatment—Dr. Rudnicki will not continue before ensuring you are completely comfortable.
How long does a root canal take?
We schedule our treatment appointments for 90 minutes. Root canals may take slightly shorter or longer depending on the anatomy and complexity of your tooth. In some cases, the tooth requires us to place a medicament and temporary filling, and we will schedule you to return for a second visit approximately 2-4 weeks later. There are no additional fees associated with this second visit, and we are happy to answer any questions regarding this process.
What sedation options do I have?
At Red River Endodontics, we offer oral sedation to patients who request it and are good candidates for it. We typically prescribe 3 pills: one to take the night before the procedure, one to take 1 hour before the procedure, and an extra pill in case you are not feeling the full effects of the sedation. Oral sedation is not designed to “knock you out” completely; most patients report feeling relaxed and sleepy.
For our patients interested in oral sedation: we require you to have a driver bring you to the office and drive you home afterwards. We will review further information about consent forms and payment at your evaluation, but please contact us if you have additional questions.
What should I expect after my root canal?
Most patients have some mild-to-moderate discomfort in the area for up to a week after the procedure. This is typically managed with a soft food diet and over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. We will provide an in-depth post-operative instruction sheet when you visit our office. In some cases, the tooth may have a “flare-up,” where the pain or swelling increases for a short period of time before healing. If this occurs, please call our office so we can properly manage your symptoms.
Do I need to see my dentist after my root canal?
Typically, yes. At the end of your treatment, we will seal the top of tooth with either a temporary or permanent filling, depending on a number of factors. In most cases, we will ask you to return to your general dentist within 1 month to have either a permanent filling or crown placed for the tooth’s protection. Our office will relay a letter back to your dentist’s office with all the necessary information so they know to schedule an appointment for you.
Do you treat children as well as adults?
The short answer—yes. Red River Endodontics does not have a specific age cutoff for eligible patients. Most children handle treatment well, but we will always discuss all the options at the evaluation appointment. If your child has difficulty tolerating dental procedures, we will likely need to consult with your family dentist or pediatric dentist to coordinate possible sedation or alternative treatments.