ENDODONTICS

What is ENDOTONTICS ?

Endodontics, also called root canal therapy, is the area of dentistry that focuses on the dipgnosis and treatment of the diseased dental pulp. The pulp is the small amount of soft tissue containing minute nerves and blood vessels within the tooth.

During a lifetime, the pulp may become diseased due to a variety of reasons (decay, trauha, deep fillings, cracks). The inflamed pulp can quickly cause pain and even infection of the surrounding bone and soft tissue. Elimination of the diseased pulp can be accomplished in two ways: saving the tooth by performing endodontic therapy, or extracting the tooth.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY ENDODONTIC THERAPY?

Your endodontic or root canal therapy will usually maintain your tooth and will eventually relieve the pain you may have been

WILL I HAVE DISCOMFORT AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Cleaning of the root canals may cause inflammation of the area surrounding your tooth, which commonly results in slight discomfort after endodontic therapy. You may experience some discomfort ranging from one day to several days, especially when chewing. If your tooth hurt before you came for treatment, it may take awhile for you to feel normal again.

WILL I NEED PAIN MEDICATION?

Taking one over the counter pain relievers before the anesthetic wears off and continuing for 1 or 2 days as directed on the medication label may substantially decrease your after treatment discomfort. You will be given a prescription for a stronger medication if we feel it is necessary.

DO I NEED ANTIBIOTICS?

In most cases, antibiotics are not required after endodontic therapy. You will be given a prescription for antibiotics if we feel it is necessary.

WHY DO I NEED TO RETURN TO MY DENTIST?

When we finish endodontic (root canal) therapy, we usually put a temporary filling in the crown of the tooth while waiting for the permanent restoration or crown to be ready. The type of restoration will depend on the location and condition of the tooth. It is important that you see your dentist promptly because a temporary filling will eventually come loose.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF MY TOOTH?

Try to avoid biting or chewing on the tooth completely during the first few days if it is sore. Avoid chewing hard foods on your tooth until you have seen your dentist again.

HOW LONG WILL MY TOOTH LAST?

With proper care, your restored tooth can last a lifetime if healing is adequate. Teeth treated with endodontic therapy can still decay as with other teeth, proper dental care requires regular brushing and flossing, a nutritious diet and regular visits to your family dentist.

WILL I NEED TO RETURN FOR ADDITIONAL TREATMENTS?

Once endodontic therapy is completed, your tooth should be examined periodically, usually every 6-12 months. This allows us to make sure the tooth has healed, or is healing properly.

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