Endodontic FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide advanced, precise treatments to relieve pain, save your teeth, and restore your oral health—delivered comfortably with the latest technology.

Why do I need to see an endodontist?

All dentists, including your general dentist, receive training in endodontic treatment. General dentists often refer complex and difficult cases to endodontists. Endodontists are dentists with additional specialized post-graduate training in this field. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, large restorations, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.

At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. This injured pulp is removed, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. Root canal therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits, depending on the treatment required.

Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the severe pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. Most patients say it feels similar to having a filling done—and many are relieved when the pain that brought them in goes away.

Will I feel pain after the procedure?

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully.
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Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call your endodontist.

What happens following endodontic treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record 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.

Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment?

You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings.

Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure or performing endodontic microsurgery can save the tooth.

I’m worried about X-Rays and Radiation. Should I be?

No. While 2D and 3D X-rays will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we use advanced technologies to minimize the amount of radiation you are exposed to. For 2D X-rays, we use a modern 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.

Our 3D X-ray machine is by J. Morita, a leading 3D X-ray machine out of Japan. The machine is capable of taking a small field of view limiting the amount of radiation received.

Our facility and machines have been examined by a licensed radiation physicist in order to help us ensure that we keep our patients and staff’s radiation exposures well within safe doses.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Bring your insurance information, a list of any medications you’re taking, and any referral paperwork or X-rays from your dentist. If your dentist sent digital records, we will already have them. You can save time by registering on our online patient portal before you visit our office.