Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 CD-ROM. For more information contact Sirona Dental Systems, Inc.

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.

A recent study of 1.6 million subjects indicates a success rate of about 97% for root canal therapy. This success is much greater than much older and often cited studies. The increase in success rate is due to multiple improvements in root canal treatment techniques, such as better file materials for cleaning canals, more effective disinfectants, and incorporation of microscopes allowing better visualization of the root canal system.

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.

Operating Microscopes: In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes, when necessary. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see minute details inside your tooth which can significantly impact the success of treatment.

Electronic Apex Locators: These measure the change in resistance as a small file passes just out the end of your root canal, in most cases providing a more accurate measurement of the canal length than that given by radiographic imaging. Use of electronic apex locators thus minimizes the number of x-rays needed to complete root canal treatment.

Ultrasonics: Ultrasonic instruments can be valuable to remove or loosen obstructions that would otherwise prevent reliable endodontic therapy.

Studies have shown that root canals alone do not significantly weaken teeth. In fact, these studies indicate that even minor episodes of decay can weaken teeth more than root canal treatment alone. Also, no differences in moisture content were detected in root canal treated and non root canal teeth.

Oral sedation medication can be prescribed for patients with high anxiety. Please mention this at the time of your consultation. Patients taking sedatives are unable to drive safely and will require an escort: someone to bring them to the office and to pick them up afterwards. Sedation patients will also need some recovery time at home afterwards. Talk to us about it if you think oral sedation may be a good option for you.

For very nervous patients who have difficulty tolerating dental treatment endodontics can be done under intravenous or even general anesthesia in cooperation with a dental anesthetist. Note for this service patients are responsible for all anesthesia costs which are not typically covered by dental insurance plans and will usually require a separate consultation with the anesthetist. Please keep in mind we cannot offer this service for immediate care. Also note additional dental procedures are usually required after the root canal treatment is completed, i.e. fillings, crowns, which cannot be done at the same time as the root canal. We are happy to discuss options relating to your particular situation at the time of your consultation.