Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 11/2/2008

Question
I recently had a root canal on tooth number 19. I was told it would take up to four visit to complete. I am worried about losing the tooth before the fourth visit get here. Althought the procedure was painless, I am now experiencing pain 2 days later after I bit down on my tooth too hard. I have been very careful and have only been eating soft foods. If my tooth cracked would I have heard it or is the tooth too weak now? Also I was wondering if four visit sounded correct to you. Is it possible to have every thing done in one day?

Answer
Hi Sabrina,

You ask great questions! It's hard for me to give you specific answers since I can't examine you, but I can tell you generally how we do things.

In our office, most root canals that are NOT emergencies are done in one appointment. If we have problems, it might take a 2nd appointment. If we had to see the patient for emergency treatment, it could result in a 3rd appointment.

Cracked teeth are very difficult to diagnosis and harder to treat. Only a very small number of teeth crack, so the odds are with you. Without being able to see your tooth, I really can't tell you if your is weak or not. You need to ask your dentist. If your tooth cracked, it is unlikely you would hear it.

If you are concerned about these things, you might ask your dentist for a referral to an endodontist. Root canals is all we do and were VERY good at them.

Hope this helps.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD