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Hearing that you need a root canal can be stressful. Knowing what to ask can make the appointment feel more manageable.
- Will my general dentist do it, or will I be referred to an endodontist?
- How many visits will it take?
- Will I need a crown afterward, and when?
- What are the alternatives, such as extraction, and what are the trade-offs?
- What should I expect for soreness afterward, and when should I call the office?
Our guide on what to expect during a root canal walks through the usual steps.
If you have had a root canal, what do you wish you had asked? Please remember this forum is not medical advice.
Good questions to bring to a root canal consultation:
- Who will do it? General dentists do many root canals; an endodontist is a specialist in them and often handles more complex cases, such as molars with curved roots or retreatments.
- Will I need a crown afterward? Back teeth often do, which affects timing and total cost.
- How many visits? Some are done in one visit; others take two.
- What are the alternatives? Usually extraction, which may then lead to considering an implant, bridge or partial denture.
- What should recovery be like? Ask what level of soreness is normal and when to call.
- Cost and coverage. Ask for a written estimate with procedure codes and check them with your plan.
Our dental glossary explains terms like “pulp,” “endodontic” and “buildup,” and the dental cost factors page covers what affects the price. Not sure whether you need a specialist? Try the which dentist do I need? tool tool.
General education only, not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Please see a licensed dentist about your own situation. For a medical emergency (trouble breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding, a major injury or rapidly spreading swelling), call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
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