Root Canal & Endodontic FAQ
When your dentist refers you to an endodontist, it’s normal to have questions. Here are straight answers to the questions we hear most often from patients in Burlington and across Vermont.
Root Canal Treatment
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canal treatment relieves pain — it doesn’t cause it. With modern local anesthetics, the procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience actually is. Dr. Feuer is experienced in numbing even teeth that are difficult to anesthetize, so if you’ve had trouble getting numb at a general dentist’s office, tell us — managing that is a routine part of our specialty training.
My tooth doesn’t hurt. Why do I need a root canal?
Tooth infections don’t always cause pain. A tooth can have a chronic infection at the root tip — visible on an X-ray as a dark shadow in the surrounding bone — with no symptoms at all. Left untreated, these silent infections can spread, cause acute flare-ups, and eventually threaten the tooth. Treating an asymptomatic infection early is almost always easier, faster, and less expensive than waiting for an emergency.
Isn’t it simpler to just pull the tooth?
Extraction seems straightforward, but it’s usually the more expensive, more complicated option in the long run. Removing a tooth means replacing it — typically with an implant or bridge — which costs significantly more than a root canal and crown, and takes much longer. Natural teeth outperform implants for chewing force, bone preservation, and longevity. Our goal is always to save the tooth when saving it makes clinical sense.
How long does the appointment take?
Most root canals take an hour or less in the treatment chair. Many cases are completed in a single visit — the entire procedure in one appointment. More complex anatomy, severe infections, or multi-rooted teeth may require a second appointment. We will give you a realistic estimate after reviewing your imaging.
Will I need one appointment or two?
Most root canals are completed in a single appointment. A second visit may be scheduled when a tooth has a severe, established infection that benefits from a period of antibiotic dressing inside the canal before final sealing — this gives the infection time to resolve before we close the tooth permanently. When two visits are needed, the first typically takes about an hour and the second is shorter. We will tell you upfront which applies to your case.
How successful is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment performed by a specialist is highly effective, and successfully treated teeth can last many years — often a lifetime. Success depends on the complexity of the case, the quality of the final restoration your dentist places, and your oral hygiene afterward. The single most important thing you can do after a root canal is get the crown placed promptly — a tooth left without a proper restoration is at significantly higher risk of fracture or reinfection.
What should I expect after my root canal?
Most people recover in less than a week. The tooth and surrounding tissue may be tender for a few days — over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen handles this for the large majority of patients. Eat soft foods for a day or two and avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until your crown is placed. Get the crown placed within 30 days — a tooth without its permanent restoration is vulnerable to fracture. We send a full clinical summary to your dentist when your appointment is complete so they have everything they need to restore the tooth.
Why an Endodontist
Why see an endodontist instead of my regular dentist?
Fewer than 3% of dentists are endodontists. We limit our practice entirely to root canal treatment and related procedures, which means Dr. Feuer performs dozens of root canals a week — compared to roughly two a week for a general dentist. We also use technology — surgical microscopes and 3D CBCT imaging — that most general practices don’t have. For complex anatomy, re-treatment, or any case where getting it right the first time matters, a specialist’s volume and tools make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
What is the difference between a root canal and endodontic retreatment?
A root canal is the initial treatment — removing infected or inflamed pulp from a tooth that has never been treated before. Retreatment addresses a tooth that had a root canal in the past but has developed a new infection or never fully healed. Retreatment is more complex because the existing filling material must be removed before the canals can be re-cleaned and re-sealed. Both procedures are routinely performed at our office.
Imaging & Infection
Should I be concerned about X-ray radiation?
No. We use digital radiography, which produces up to 90% less radiation than older film-based dental X-rays — and conventional dental X-rays are already among the lowest-dose medical imaging available. When 3D CBCT imaging is needed, we use it selectively for cases where the additional anatomical information changes the treatment plan. We will always explain why imaging is being taken.
How do I know if my tooth is infected?
Common signs include persistent or throbbing pain, sharp pain when biting, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, gum swelling or a pimple-like bump near the tooth, or a tooth that has changed color. However, as noted above, infections can also be completely silent. If your dentist spots a shadow on an X-ray near a root tip, that’s usually a sign of infection even without symptoms.
Insurance & Cost
Does dental insurance cover root canal treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of endodontic treatment, typically at 50–80% of the cost after your deductible. Coverage depends on your specific plan. We will verify your benefits before your appointment and provide a cost estimate. If you have questions before scheduling, our front desk can help review your coverage.
Do you accept my insurance?
We work with most major dental insurance plans. Call our office at 802-864-0461 or check our financial and insurance information page for details. We also offer payment plan options for patients who need them.