Endodontic FAQ

Why Choose an Endodontist?

Endodontists are dentists that have dedicated 2 or more additional years in advanced specialty education in diagnosis and root canal treatment. An endodontist performs nearly 25 root canal treatments per week compare to the general dentist 2 or less per week.

Endodontists use their advanced specialty training and experience in treating difficult cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked canels, or unusual anatomy as well as endodontic surgery.  Because they limit their practices to endodontics, they treat these types of cases every day.

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.

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 their 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. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor’s findings.

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 CD-ROM.

I have a duty to give my patients the best dental care I can by following appropriate standards of care.  My goal is to obtain optimum use of radiography based on patient signs, symptoms, and history without necessary exposure.  Each patient is unique and his/her need for x-ray is determined by the condition of his/her teeth and gums.

X-rays are an important diagnostic tool because of their ability to show what is undetectable to the naked eye or to an instrument probing.  A comprehensive dental treatment plan cannot be successful without x-rays at approprate times.  It is in your best interest and within my clinical judgement that you be treated properly and with the use of diagnostic x-rays.

I appreciate your concerns about the potential risks from radiation exposure, but I believe continuing improvements in technology have significiantly reduced radiation exposure.  The benefits of dental x-rays to promote adequate and quick diagnosis outweigh the potential adverse effects.