PATIENT INFORMATION

Endodontic FAQ

What is endodontics?

 

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or "root canal" contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.

I'm worried about x-rays. Should I be?

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to cotherapists via e-mail or diskette.

What about infection?

Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact his office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.

What new technologies are being used?

Operating Microscopes:

In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. The doctor also utilize magnification and fiber optic illumination to see tiny details inside your tooth. We also utilize x-ray reader/digitizers to convert conventional x-rays to digital images to help in treatment and communications with referring dentists.

Dental Pain-Important information

  • A majority of tooth pain is the result of damage to the soft tissue at the center of the tooth called the dental pulp. The most common cause of this damage is tooth decay when it has exposed the dental pulp to bacterial infection. Other causes of pulp damage include traumatic injuries and advanced periodontal (gum) disease.
  • Damage to the dental pulp can result in inflammation (pulpitis) which can cause severe tooth ache. This condition requires immediate treatment by your dentist or your endodontist. This condition is not self limiting. The pain may go into remission after a period of time but a more severe condition, an abscess or worse will occur at a future date if the pulpitis is not treated. A root canal procedure can relieve the pain and save the tooth if the procedure is followed by restoration with a crown or other restoration.
  • If you develop a severe toothache, our office will provide emergency care to get you out of pain at short notice. This may involve a short office visit and prescription of necessary medications to control the pain until endodontic therapy can be instituted.
  • Toothaches tend to be more severe at night because of changes in blood flow patterns. Elevating your head, in addition to over-the-counter pain medications may offer some temporary relief until you can get to your dentist or endodontist in the morning. Do not apply any pastes to the gums - they do not work and may cause damage to the gums.
  • Pain in the jaws does not always signal the presence of a dental problem. Other conditions such as in inflamed sinuses and some neurological conditions can present symptoms similar to toothaches. Endodontists can help in the assessment of these conditions and direct you to the appropriate specialists when necessary.