Endodontic FAQ

WHAT IS AN ENDODONITST?

An endodontist is dental specialist that has completed 4 years of dental school along with an additional 2 or more years of specialty training in the science of endodontics (root canals). In other words, an endodontist is a root canal specialist. With the lengthy education that an endodontist receives, they are able to perform all aspects of root canal therapy including routine as well as complex root canals, retreatments, and endodontic surgery.

WHY CHOOSE AN ENDODONTIST?

REASON 1: Experience

On average, endodontists perform nearly 25 root canal treatments a week.

REASON 2: Efficiency 

Because they limit their practice solely to endodontic treatment, endodontists are efficient and precise. This equates to positive experiences and faster healing. 

REASON 3: Availability 

We do our best to offer flexibility and same day accommodations for emergency cases, so delays in treatment are kept to a minimum and patients can be relieved of dental pain quickly. 

REASON 4: Advanced Technology 

We use state-of-the-art technology such as surgical microscopes on every procedure, digital imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics to treat patients comfortably and efficiently.

Today, getting root canal treatment is often no more uncomfortable than having a filling.

WHY DO I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with a root canal, or endodontic, treatment. Learn how root canal treatment can relieve your tooth pain and save your smile.To understand a root canal procedure, it helps to know about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and helps to grow the root of your tooth during development. In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.   

HOW DOES ENDODONTIC TREATMENT SAVE MY TOOTH?

During root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. Saving natural teeth with root canal treatment has many advantages such as natural appearance, efficiently chewing, normal biting force and sensation, and protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain. Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime.  

SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT Digital Imaging?

Dental digital imaging safe. We use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography that produces exposure levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. We will provide your general dentist with a post-operative report that will include a copy of your pre and post-treatment digital images at no additional cost to you. All members of our dental team are certified to take digital images.

WHAT ABOUT INFECTION?

Your safety and comfort is our primary concern. Our team has annual training in Infection Control and the Dental Practice Act to adhere to the most rigorous standards advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate the risk of infection. We monitor and maintain our dental equipment on a regular basis and use an additional outside service to comply with infection control. We also use a closed water system with distilled water.