Root canal (1725)

Key points below


What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment. It is done to try to save a tooth. It is often done to relieve tooth pain or infection and to keep the tooth from being pulled (extracted).Root canal

How is it done?

What are the risks during and after?

There is no guarantee that the root canal will work. With root canals, the risks include, but are not limited to:

Are there other options?

Delay or have no treatment. If you choose this option you risk more pain, infection and loss of the tooth, or teeth.

Extraction. Pulling the tooth and replacing with either nothing, a partial, a bridge, or implant.

What else do I need to know?

After the root canal, more dental work will need to be done. Most often this means a cap or crown will be put on the tooth. If it is not done, the root canal may fail or the tooth may break. The cap or crown should be put on within 30 days of having the root canal.

Pain

Mouth care

Other

For more information

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

ALERT

Call your child’s dentist or clinic if you have any concerns or if:

  • There is swelling inside or outside your child’s mouth.
  • There have an allergic reaction to medicine. This includes a rash, hives or itching. Nausea is not an allergic reaction.
  • The original symptoms such as pain or pressure come back.
  • Your child’s bite feels uneven.
  • You think the entire filling has come out. Note: If a temporary filling material was used in the tooth, it is not uncommon for a thin layer to wear off between appointments.
  • Your child has special health care needs not covered by this information.