| |
|
| |
Endodontic FAQ's |
| |
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. |
| |
|
|
| |
What is a root canal & why do I need a Root Canal Treatment? |
|
|
| |
 |
* |
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. The tooth has three layers: first layer is called Enamel (which covers the crown part) or Cementum (for the root part), second layer is called dentin & the innermost channel is called a "root canal". These minute canals contain a specialized soft tissue called pulp which consists of blood vessels and nerves that supply the tooth. |
 |
* |
When bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, it can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, the problem cannot be fixed just with a filling. It now needs root canal treatment where 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Can I just get my tooth extracted? |
|
|
|
Extraction is definitely an option. However, when possible the best option is always to save your own natural tooth. No man made substitute to replace a missing natural tooth is as good as your own tooth! |
| |
Do everything possible to save your teeth before considering extraction.
Nothing is as good as your natural tooth! |
|
|
|
|
| |
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 co-therapists via e-mail or cd. |
|
|
|
|
| |
What is a Cone Beam CT (CBCT)? |
|
|
| |
CBCT -Cone Beam images are the latest in endodontic radiology. Contrary to traditional dental x-rays that are two dimensional, these images are three dimensional in nature & provide us with a wealth of diagnostic information which was not a reality before its introduction to endodontic specialty. With today's advanced focus field technology in cone beam ct imaging & pinpoint accuracy, the level of radiation exposure to patients are very minim. |
|
|
|
|
| |
Are root canals painful? |
|
|
| |
It is a myth that Root canal treatments are the most painful procedures in dentistry. At GreenRoot, we employ several combination of anesthetic types & techniques to strive to make every treatment virtually pain free for our patients. While there may be some discomfort after treatment, this can be controlled with pain medications. |
|
|
|
|
| |
What if I am really nervous about the procedure? |
|
|
| |
Please let us know if you are particularly anxious about your treatment. In general, you should view root canal therapy as a lengthy filling procedure. Since we are specialized in root canal therapy, we can assure you that this procedure is predictable and painless. We do know that some individuals are anxious even for routine dental care. If you are feeling anxious about your appointment, let us know. We have various methods available to help you including Nitrous Oxide sedation. You could also take advantage of our ergo sooth massage feature in our dental chairs, noise cancellation head phones if you are particularly scared about the drilling noise, soothing back ground music or a movie of your choice on our overhead monitors. |
|
|
|
|
| |
What about disinfection protocol? |
|
|
| |
Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by several federal agencies—the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Please visit our sterilization section of the website for additional information. |
|
|
|
|
| |
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 his 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. |
|
|
|
|
| |
How long after treatment will my tooth last? |
|
|
| |
Root canal therapy has been reported to be up to 95% successful. Many factors influence the treatment outcome: the patient’s general health, bone support around the tooth, strength of the tooth including possible fracture lines, new cavity, shape and condition of the root and nerve canal(s) and continued follow-up care with your general dentist. Although we cannot guarantee the successful outcome of root canal procedures, you can be assured that the most advanced techniques and treatment modalities will be performed to ensure the best prognosis possible. |
|
|
|
|
| |
How much does it cost? |
|
|
| |
The cost associated with each procedure varies depending on several factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth, complexity of the treatment and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth. |
|
|
| |
* Reproduced with permission from the American Association of Endodontists |
