Endodontic FAQ
Endodontics is the specialty of dentistry focused on the dental pulp, root canal and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. Endodontics is recognized by the American Dental Association as one of nine dental specialities.
“Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” So an endodontist works to treat the inside of an inflamed or infected tooth. Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, treats the soft pulp tissue inside the tooth. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in saving teeth.
Endodontists become specialists by completing two or more years of advanced training in endodontics following dental school. They perform both routine and difficult, complex endodontic procedures – including root canal therapy, endodontic surgery and certain special procedures to save teeth after traumatic dental injuries. By focusing their practice on specific procedures such as root canal therapy, surgery and trauma, endodontists are experts at managing a wide array of complex endodontic problems efficiently.
Endodontists use advanced technologies such as the surgical operating microscope, digital radiography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), ultrasonics and more to accurately diagnose and manage pulpal disease. These technologies improve visualization of problems with the teeth, and allow the endodontist to properly see inside of the tooth. Because of this, endodontists can treat the tooth quickly and comfortably.
By saving your tooth, an endodontist can help you keep your natural smile, so you can continue to eat your favorite foods and maintain your overall health. Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural tooth.
In short, no. While x-rays will be necessary to properly diagnose and treat your unique issue, we use advanced digital radiography. This modern technology produces radiation levels up to 90% below those of conventional dental x-rays, which were already at a low dose.
Once your endodontic treatment is completed, a record of the treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for an appointment as soon as possible after completion of the endodontic therapy. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is needed to protect your tooth, often a crown.
Yes. For most endodontic treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office for a one year follow up visit. The purpose of this visit is to ensure that healing progresses as expected.
