Endodontic FAQ

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.

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 diskette.

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 modern barrier techniques to limit 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?

Digital Radiography

Digital imaging has only recently become widely used in dentistry.  Our operatories are equipped with intraoral digital sensors to utilize this technology. Digital radiography can reduce radiation exposure up to 90% when compared with traditional dental radiographs.

Endoscope

In addition to digital radiography, our office utilizes the dental endoscope.  Magnification and fiber optic illumination are used in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. By using a tiny video camera in conjunction with fiber optic illumination the endoscope provides exceptional visual details necassary to complete the root canals to the highest standard of care possible.  We can use the camera to record images of your tooth to further document the doctor’s findings and forward them to your general dentist.

Ultrasonics

The vibrating action of ultrasonic instruments allows the endodontist to thoroughly clean the canal walls as well as remove posts and other obstructions in root canals. These instruments are also used to prepare the root end  for filling during endodontic surgery.

Nickel Titanium Rotary Instrumentation

We use a new generation of nickel titatnium endodontic instruments that take advantage of the greater flexibility and resistance to fracture. These newer files are superior to the traditional stainless steel hand filing systems used in the past.