Patient Information
FAQ
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.
I'm worried about x-rays. Should I be?
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, which reduces radiation levels up to 90 percent when compared to standard dental radiography. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to co-therapists via e-mail or diskette. For more information contact Dexis Digital Radiography.
What about infection?
Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to keep you safe.
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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/her 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. We do maintain a live answering service and we maintain an on call service.
What new technologies are being used?
Operating Microscopes:
In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a tiny video camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor's findings.
Apex Locators:
The apex locator is an electronic sensor that helps to characterize the space within the tooth that is being cleansed and sealed. One of its advantages is that it further reduces our dependence on x-rays.
Ultrasonics:
The ultrasonic instruments used in endodontics allow the endodontist to remove very small increments of structure. This is important since we want to leave you with as much tooth structure as possible. Today with the combination of the Operating Microscope can see very small detail and with the Ultrasonic instruments we can limit our action to very small areas. Again, this leaves you with more tooth structure.
Rotary Instrumentation:
Our doctor’s utilize the latest rotary technology to cleanse and shape the canal system. | 
