endodontics

What is Endodontics or Root Canal Treatment?

Underneath your tooth's outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp tissue. While a tooth's pulp tissue does contain nerve fibers, it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. Each tooth's nerve enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots. From there, the nerve runs through the center of the root in small "root canals," which join up with the tooth's pulp chamber. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four root canals.

Why do I feel pain?

The pulp tissue becomes infected and this can cause pain and/or swelling.

Why do I need root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is necessary because the tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate and the tooth may fall out.

What is a root canal procedure?

A root canal is a procedure done to save the damaged or infected pulp in the root canal of the tooth by cleaning out the diseased pulp.

What is involved in root canal therapy?

First, you will probably be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. In our office, we do not proceed unless our patient is comfortable. Endodontic therapy is not painful if done properly. 

What are the risks and complications?

More than 95 percent of root canal treatments are successful and can be completed in one appointment. Occasionally we may need to redo a treatment. There is no additional fee if this occurs. 

What happens after treatment?

Natural tissue inflammation may cause discomfort for a few days, which can be controlled by an over-the-counter analgesic or prescription medications. We monitor our patients very closely and are available for follow up care.

Are there options to root canal therapy?

The only alternative to root canal therapy is to extract the tooth; however, this alone can cause the surrounding teeth to move, resulting in a bad bite. Though a simple extraction may be perceived as less expensive, the empty space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which ultimately can be more costly than root canal therapy