FAQs

Q?

What is endodontics?

A.

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. Inside the root is a channel or "root canal" that 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.

Q?

How successful is endodontic treatment?

A.

Depending upon the complexity of the case, success is typically over 90%. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is not favorable, you will be informed at the time of the consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

Q?

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

A.

While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we make every effort to reduce radiation levels.

Q?

What about infection control?

A.

We adhere to the most rigorous standard of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize ultrasonic cleaning prior to autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate the risk of contamination and infection.

Q?

I’m an anxious patient, is there anything that can help?

A.

We know that many patients have a high level of dental fear and anxiety when it comes to dental treatment, especially root canal therapy. Our goal is to eliminate discomfort and anxiety in our office. Our friendly staff is trained to answer your questions before beginning treatment.

Q?

Is a root canal painful?

A.

Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Today, endodontists understand a great deal about pain management. With modern techniques and anesthetics, the vast majority of patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.  For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Over-the-counter medications, such as Advil® or Tylenol®, are usually enough to manage this sensitivity. In some cases prescription medications may be necessary, and are available from your endodontist.   Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully.