What Is A Root Canal & Should You Get One

Let's answer questions about root canals - such as "do you always need a crown after getting a root canal" and "does a cavity always turn into root canals" and "can your tooth be too damaged for a root canal to fix it" !?

A root canal procedure is typically your last option for preserving a damaged, dying, or severely decayed tooth. Instead of extracting the tooth altogether, the nerve tissues are removed and the hollow chambers are sealed off. This process prevents bacteria from re-entering the nerve canals and causing recurring abscesses or gradual erosion of the tooth.

If you hear your dentist use the words “endodontic treatment”, what they’re talking about is a root canal. Depending on which tooth in your mouth is being treated, the process (and root canal cost) will vary; some teeth only have one canal because there’s just one root. Other teeth have three or four canals, or curved and twisted roots to work with. All of these factors — combined with your dentist’s own personal experience and resources — will determine whether you want to schedule the treatment at your usual dentist’s office or see an endodontist, which is a root canal expert.

Since root canals treat the inside of the tooth and the overall structure is no longer “alive” per se, your remaining enamel can start to get a little brittle. That’s why most dentists will recommend that you also have a crown placed over the tooth, once your root canal procedure is complete.

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***This video does not provide medical advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or dental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard or seen on social media.***

✌ P E A C E ♥ L O V E ☺ T E E T H ☺

[ytsux]

I've just had my first root canal. It was absolutely painless and my insurance covers it 100%. Still, I'm not happy that my tooth decayed to that point without me knowing.

[grinchh]

I just had my first root canal ever! And I'm 26 years old. I am terrified of needles but the procedure was so smooth thank god and with your videos you put me in soooo much comfort! It was not bad at all! The hardest part was my anxiety lol

[dorianhyde]

Idk what’s gonna hurt worse, the pain from the dying tooth or the pain from the bill I get from the root canal.

[meowmeowmeowbarf]

The biggest motivator for getting a cavity filled before it enters root canal therapy is COST, in terms of money and time. Pain too, but the cost of filling a cavity is significantly cheaper than a root canal AND crown. I've had several root canals - never again. Learn from my mistake, friends ♡

[keri-lynfay]

Everyone, If you have a good dentist a root canal is a walk in the park! On my third one now and by communicating with my dentist during the procedure, it has been pain free on all three accounts. Communication is key. If you feel the slighest bit of discomfort, inform your dentist straight away so that they can numb the area more. P.s. this is coming from someone who has been PETRIFIED of the dentist in the past.

[aruzenimon]

I got my very first root canal on one of my molars around mid-December 2021. I know that it can be a terrifying thing but trust me it’s actually not bad at all. I barely felt the needle of the anesthetic and everything was painless. Operation lasted about 45 minutes. It was a breeze. The worst part is probably just avoiding specific foods during the healing process.

[ameliajohnson]

I am an endodontist’s assistant and it’s upsetting to read these comments of all the people who have had bad experiences. The RCT process often can create a bruise in the jaw so a little soreness afterwards is normal but if you were in pain during the actual procedure than the person doing it wasn’t doing it properly. Some dentists are just not very good at root canals. It’s always worth it to go to a reputable endodontist!

[huntermasi]

This is always a dreaded dental procedure but one that actually can help you after it’s done. Sometimes you have to go through pain to get rid of pain and this is definitely that case. Keeping up with good dental hygiene is crucial to avoid this dreaded procedure which everyone hates.

[joshuasmith]

I had to get 2 root canal’s done at once and once they numbed me up good. I felt no pain at all. It honestly relieved the intense pain I had prior. Just got my crowns on and I’m feeling super happy that I can finally eat real food without limiting myself to just softer foods. Lol my dentists are awesome. They let me listen to whatever music I want and we all just jam. It’s a good time

[charliebrown]

A got a root canal in November 2021, and I was so scared that I almost threw up in my car before going into the dentist office. But trust me, you don’t feel a thing! The only thing that may be uncomfortable is having your mouth open for a long time, other than that is just a painless procedure. Recovery is fast, I don’t like feeling pain so I had ibuprofen for like 3 days and didn’t feel anything at all. Now I am happy with my crown and no more pain!

[FunintheSun]

I just had a root canal and the endodontist did a GREAT job!

[Grayback]

I've had several root canals over the years due to cracked teeth, etc and anybody that is dreading getting one Don't be. The procedure is painless and totally worth it, especially if you have an endodontist do it.I prefer that route because they seem to fill the canal's more thoroughly than most standard dentists.

[mrmatt]

Whitney is the dental expert that I come to when I need questions answered as far as going to the dentist is concerned she also is the reason I wanted to get healthier as far as my teeth are concerned so Whitney is the best there is

[pyromaniac]

Your videos inspired me to go to the dentist for the first time in years recently. Unfortunately I now need 2 of these root canals 😭

[nickalfidi]

Just had a part of it done yesterday. Throbbing was incredibly painful and made it so I couldn't sleep for days on end (went to bed maybe at 9AM if lucky). The killing of the nerves in my tooth hurt really bad, so that part DOES hurt quite a bit. But, the rest of the procedure shouldn’t be all too bad. In fact, I was finally able to sleep last night lol. Cap and crown are next. Generally I am quite dilligent with my oral health, so getting a root canal stinks, however the relief after and saving your tooth is obviously worth it. My advice is to first don't be like me and try to prevent this procedure from ever happening by ensuring your oral health doesn't drop. However, I would absolutely recommend this procedure if you experience similar pain. Like Whitney said, waiting and putting it off only worsens the situation.

[daniellerockelle]

Girl you did this video right on time tomorrow is my root canal

[MultiJoe]

I had one of these recently on a molar aged 39 and it wasn’t as bad as I feared. Just went back last week to have it completed and feel great !

[tricia]

I had to have a root canal a couple months ago and I was soooo annoyed because I had this rare situation of "internal resorption". Basically the tooth was absorbing itself from the inside and was painful. For the past 10+ years I've been a dental hygiene perfectionist so I don't have to get fillings ($$$$). And this still happened and I couldn't have prevented it!
It just solidified my hygiene habits though because I never want to have to go through that whole annoying process again if I have anything to do with it, not to mention the $2300 cost even with dental insurance.

[Pottszy]

This makes me want to go and brush my teeth right now!!! :) I have no idea how you manage to fit working and filming these vids in but I appreciate it!!!! :)

[alexandrao]

You are my absolute favorite! Thank you for all your knowledge you share with us ❤️