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.
The endodontic procedure of a root canal is the process of removing inflamed or necrotic (dead) tissue from the space within the tooth. During this process it is disinfected to reduce the number of bacteria as much as possible. After the canal space is cleaned and dried, it is filled with a root canal filling material to minimize the re-entry of bacteria.
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontic 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 referring doctors via e-mail.
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.
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your referring dentist. You should contact your referring dentists 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.
We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of anesthesia to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office either 6 months or 1 year after the procedure was finished, depending on the specific case. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment.
Your jaw may be sore and your lip may be numb, but you should be in good shape to continue your regular schedule. I don't recommend leaving your appointment and going straight to an important lunch meeting (unless you wear a bib 🙂 In terms of your schedule, it should be no different than getting a filling or a crown.
Unless there are contraindications (ask your physician) I usually recommend 600-800 mg of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or generic) about every 6 hours. If you are still uncomfortable despite the ibuprofen, then take about 1000mg of Tylenol (acetaminophen) along with the ibuprofen. If you have been given a prescription for either Vicodin or Percocet, then you may take that with the ibuprofen instead of the Tylenol.
If you already have a crown, most of the time the root canal will be done through a small opening in the top. Your dentist will need to repair the opening after your root canal is completed. A new crown may be indicated if there are imperfections that do not lead to predictable dental health.
Crowns with porcelain (tooth colored crowns) are susceptible to fracture of the porcelain (happens less than 5% of the time). If the porcelain fractures in a way that the crown is no longer functional or esthetic, then replacing the crown may be necessary.
Maintaining your natural teeth is one of our priorities, but if we feel that root canal treatment is not predictable then a dental implant may be indicated. Implants are great for replacing missing teeth, and will be recommended if it is believed that they will be a better long-term investment in your health. The use of the dental operating microscope helps in predicting the outcome of treatment.