Frequently Asked Questions

An endodontist is a dentist who has completed advanced training after dental school to prepare them to treat complex endodontic cases. Our doctors have limited their activities to root canal treatment and related procedures. By referring you to an endodontist, your family dentist is showing a personal concern for the quality of your dental care. 

We take great pride in our sterilization and infection control. Each used item is disposed of or heat sterilized after each use. In dental facilities, all surfaces are disinfected with chemicals that kill bacteria and viruses. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standards of office cleanliness and sterility. 

Root canal or endodontic treatment is performed when the soft inner tissue (pulp) of a tooth is damaged, usually due to decay, sterility, or physical trauma. Treatment consists of removing the pulp and then cleaning, sterilizing, filling and sealing the root canals. The tooth survives and is nourished by the adjacent gums and jaw tissues. More than 90 percent of cases are successful, while some may require additional treatment. After endodontic treatment, it is very important to return to the family dentist so that a permanent filling can be made. A dental crown is usually necessary to protect the tooth from breaking. 

A toothache is defined as pain that comes from a single tooth or multiple teeth and gums. Some toothaches can be just a mild tingling sensation or severe, like a constant, throbbing pain.  A toothache can be caused by cavities, cracked teeth, loose fillings, and receding gums. A toothache can also be caused by trauma caused by a strong bite, accidents, sports, etc. 

If the toothache is mild, symptoms include a cold, hot, or sweet tingling sensation. Severe toothaches make it difficult to bite, eat or drink cold or hot foods, lie down, fly in an airplane or dive. Earaches or headaches may also occur. 

If the toothache is mild, you can try a desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne and avoid cold, hot or sweet foods. You can take 1-2 tablets of an over-the-counter pain reliever for pain. Then go to the dentist for treatment. If the toothache is severe, swelling of the face or gums and fever may occur. With these symptoms, see a dentist immediately. Root canal treatment or other treatment may be necessary. 

If you are allergic to latex, we have latex-free root canal treatment. We have latex-free gloves and latex-free rubber dams. We use biocompatible root canal filling materials. 

If the dental pulp is diseased, the only option for root canal treatment is extraction. After extraction, replacing the tooth with a bridge, implant or partial denture is usually more expensive than root canal treatment and a crown. More importantly, you lose a natural tooth. 

Root canal treatment is usually less uncomfortable than a regular filling visit. In fact, most endodontic treatments relieve pain. Most stories about painful root canals are from the days before modern techniques and effective numbing agents were available.

 Some teeth cannot be successfully treated. Before treatment, we explain possible complications. In some cases, additional treatment is required if the tissue does not heal normally after the end of the root canal treatment..