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Endodontics
Frequenty Asked Questions
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist who has completed at least two additional years of postgraduate training in addition to dental school. This additional training prepares the doctor to diagnose and treat diseases of the dental pulp and surrounding tissue – not just the crown, or white portion of the tooth you see in the mirror. Typically, a general dentist will refer patients who require a challenging level of treatment to an endodontist to be sure that the patient receives the highest level of care. A patient might need this type of treatment as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, trauma, or tooth fracture. The endodontist is trained to help save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation.
Should I be worried about x-rays?
While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we use an advanced computerized system to make radiographic images. This is called digital radiography, and it reduces radiation levels by up to 75 percent compared to those already low doses used in conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to other dental providers as needed via e-mail.
Can I return to my normal exercise regimen after treatment?
Yes. However, if you engage in high impact exercise, you should wait to see what degree of post treatment sensitivity you experience. A person might experience increased pain or throbbing during exercise soon after root canal therapy.
Is a root canal painful?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. However, due to the nature of the treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days. This is especially true if you were experiencing pain before you received treatment. Seeking treatment early makes the procedure more comfortable.
Following the endodontist’s instructions will help to minimize the amount of pain you experience. 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.