Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) that focuses on treating the inside of the tooth and the tissues around the root.

When you look at a tooth, you only see the crown, or top part. The portion below the gum line is called the root. Inside the root is a inner channel called the root canal, which contains soft tissue known as the pulp. This pulp includes nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth healthy.

If bacteria enter the pulp due to decay, gum disease, a cracked tooth, or injury, the pulp can become infected or inflamed. When this happens, an endodontic specialist removes the infected tissue to relieve pain, stop the infection, and save the natural tooth.

After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth can continue to function normally.

Root canal treatment is a procedure used to save a tooth when the nerve(pulp) inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. During the treatment, the endodontist removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then seals them to prevent further infection. The tooth is then restored by your general dentist, most often with a crown, so it can function normally again.

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 final report 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.

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.

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.

We do not perform extractions in our office. We are a practice limited to endodontics. If we determine that the tooth is not restorable and needs extraction then you will be send back to your general dentist for the extraction or if he recommends an oral surgeon.