As an endodontic patient, what should I expect?
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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, hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. The outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, and the inside channel, or "root canal," contains soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves called the "pulp." 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 comfortably removes the soft tissue within the tooth (pulp) using special hand instruments and solutions. The root canal space is thoroughly cleaned and shaped and filled with a rubber material that is non-irritating and accepted by the FDA, American Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists. This procedure can be comfortably completed in one or two visits. If you would like to learn more about endodontic therapy, please visit the American Association of Endodontists site and/or the American Dental Association site.
After completion of root canal therapy, the root canal system has been permanently sealed. However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary filling. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. We advise that you return promptly to your dentist to restore your tooth with a filling or crown (also known as a cap).
It is important to avoid full biting force on the treated tooth until it is restored.
After treatment, a completed treatment report including X-rays and a letter will be sent to your referring dentist. Root canal therapy is very predictable and has a success rate in our office of 95-97 percent. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. Since root canal therapy is a biological procedure, it cannot be guaranteed. Occasionally, a tooth that has been treated may require additional treatment, surgery or even extraction.
What is an Endodontist?
An Endodontist is a dentist with advanced training in treating the diseased or damaged pulp, or soft inner tissues of your teeth. Endodontists spend at least two years after dental school training to become specialists in the techniques and procedures involved in diagnosing and treating dental problems that originate inside your teeth. In practice, they only perform endodontic procedures and therefore have extensive experience in this area.
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, which 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 co-therapists via e-mail or diskette. Digital radiography utilizes an intraoral sensor in place of conventional X-ray film. The radiographic image is converted into an electrical signal interpreted by computer and displayed instantly into our operatory workstation monitors. Digital radiography decreases treatment time and provides us with improved endodontic diagnostic capabilities though image enhancement computer technology.
What about infection?
We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We use chemical ultrasonic instrument cleaning prior to extreme heat steam and/or chemical autoclave sterilization. All handpieces are autoclaved prior to patient use. We use sterile water in our water lines in each operatory to eliminate contamination. We also use barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection. Moreover, most of our instruments, such as Endodontic files, are disposed after use.