Patient Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

If you remove the nerve, won't the tooth be dead?

No, the nerve is only part of the tooth's vitality. Strong living fibers attach the tooth to the bone, which makes a nerveless tooth very much alive and functional.

Am I justified in spending money for root canal treatment?

The alternative is extraction and replacement of the tooth with a bridge or an implant. Besides losing and important member of the dentition, the artificial substitutes usually cost more than root canal treatment and the permanent restoration of the tooth.

How long will the tooth last after root canal treatment?

Often as long as the other teeth in the mouth, provided the patient is in good health and his or her body has the ability to repair damaged bone. The tooth must also have healthy fibers supporting the tooth in the bone.

Will the tooth darken after treatment?

Most of the time discoloration of the tooth does not occur. Where a tooth may have been discolored before endodontic treatment began, it is sometimes possible to correct the discoloration through endodontic bleaching procedures.

Will the tooth crack or fracture?

Measures will be taken while endodontic treatment is in progress to prevent this from occurring. Upon returning to your dentist, you may further prevent fracture by following completely his or her advice as to the best permanent restoration for your tooth.

Will my health be jeopardized by a root canal treated tooth?

Not at all! Once an endodontically treated tooth has healed, it takes its place as a functional organ of the body much as a once broken leg can soon support body weight.

Can a root canal treated tooth be used as an anchor for a bridge?

Yes indeed. With proper bone support a nerveless tooth is an excellent bridge abutment.

If the tooth is dead why does it hurt so much?

Discomfort prior to treatment is a result of infection and inflammation of the nerve, surrounding bone and soft tissue. Once the offending nerve canal is cleansed and medicated, the pain will go away and the tooth will feel normal again.

Can root canal infection always be treated successfully?

Unfortunately not. Sharp curves due to unusual root growth and extremely narrow canals occasionally make instrumentation and medication impossible.

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.