At Endodontics Unlimited, we treat all cases of dental trauma. Whether a child or adult, a chipped tooth or a fractured root, we have the expertise to relieve your pain and give you back your smile. Endodontists specialize in traumatic dental injuries and are often integral to their treatment.
Usually, moderate to severe dental trauma causes one of two types of injury to the pulp inside the tooth, which needs to be treated by an endodontist. In one situation, the tooth breaks in a way that the pulp is exposed to saliva and bacteria. Once this occurs, root canal treatment is necessary in order to prevent these bacteria from infecting the entirety of the pulp. In other situations, when a tooth moves or falls out, the nerves inside the tooth can be severed from the external nerves that to into the jaw. In this case, although the pulp is not infected, root canal treatment is needed to remove the now-dead nerves inside the tooth.
Of course, there are cases in which the trauma is so severe that the tooth can no longer be saved. We have the necessary expertise and equipment in order to help determine whether or not this is the case.
What is root canal treatment or endodontic treatment?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels going to the tooth. The pulp is located within one or more canals within the roots of a tooth, which is why endodontic treatment is more often called root canal treatment. During root canal treatment, this pulp is removed from the tooth and is replaced with a filling. Teeth are able to survive without the pulp because the ligament around the roots of the tooth contain nerves and tissues that provide nutrition, support, and sensation to the tooth.
What is an endodontist?
“Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is the Greek word for “tooth”. An endodontist is a highly skilled dental specialist who specializes in performing root canal treatment and other related treatments. To become an endodontist, one must complete two or more additional years of training following dental school. Although general dentists can perform endodontic treatment, they often refer patients to an endodontist when deemed necessary.
How do I know if I need root canal treatment?
Some signs and symptoms that you may need root canal treatment include:
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even when the cause has been removed
Severe pain when biting and/or chewing
Swelling around the tooth, gums, or face
Chipped or cracked tooth
Unfortunately, in some cases, there are no signs or symptoms, but a root canal infection will be diagnosed via routine X-rays taken by the general dentist. Usually, a general dentist will refer you to an endodontist, but if you have any of these signs and symptoms, it is possible to visit the endodontist prior to visiting your general dentist.
Is root canal treatment painful?
A root canal treatment is done with local anesthesia, similar to other dental procedures like a filling. Therefore, it should not be any more painful than any other dental procedure. However, it is common to have some discomfort for up to a few days after the anesthesia wears off.
How long does root canal treatment take?
Typically, root canal treatment takes about one hour, but may take more or less time depending on the tooth. Also, in some cases, root canal treatment may be done in two visits to allow for optimal healing.
Why do I need new X-rays?
Even if you recently had X-rays taken by your general dentist, as endodontists, we require our own X-rays, which capture the proper views of the roots to allow for the best treatment outcome.
Why do I need a CBCT (3D scan)?
A CBCT, or cone beam computed tomography, is a medical imaging technique that allows endodontists to view teeth and surrounding structures in three dimensions. CBCT images can greatly improve the endodontist’s ability to evaluate and diagnose their patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Are there any restrictions after root canal treatment? (school, work, eating, working out)
There are very few restrictions after root canal treatment. It is common to have some discomfort for up to a few days after treatment, but it is still possible to go to school or work afterwards. You can even work out as normal after root canal treatment without concern. It is recommended that you wait until after the anesthesia wears off to eat after root canal treatment. Once you are able to eat, you should not bite or chew on the treated tooth until you return to your general dentist for a permanent filling.
What can I expect in the days after root canal treatment?
It is common to have some discomfort for a few days after root canal treatment. Typically, this discomfort can be managed with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and/or Tylenol. Your gums may also be sore after the treatment, and this can be managed by rinsing with warm salt water.
What happens after I get the root canal treatment? (reword this)
After root canal treatment is completed, we will send a full report to your general dentist. At this point, the tooth has a temporary restoration. Until you see your general dentist and get a permanent restoration and/or crown, the tooth is more susceptible to fractures and other complications. Because of this, it is recommended that you see your general dentist as soon as possible after root canal treatment.
Why does my tooth hurt if it already had root canal treatment in the past?
Most root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime, but sometimes, these teeth may not heal properly, becoming painful or reinfected months to years after treatment. There are several reasons why this may happen, including undetected root canal anatomy, delayed crown placement after initial treatment, and reinfection via a new cavity or gap in the present restoration. Fortunately, we have a second chance to save the tooth with retreatment. This can either be done through the tooth like traditional root canal treatment or from the end of the root(s) with a procedure called endodontic microsurgery (hyperlink to surgery page).
Is it better to have root canal treatment or extraction?
When a tooth becomes infected or compromised, the two options are root canal treatment and extraction. If possible, root canal treatment is preferable in order to maintain your natural tooth. One downside of having a tooth extracted is that it leaves an empty space, which can cause teeth to shift. Replacing an extracted tooth requires additional dental visits and is often more costly than root canal treatment followed by a restoration.
Can root canal treatment be done on people with medical conditions? (pregnant, diabetes…)
Yes, we treat patients with every medical condition. Endodontists have the proper training to work with patients with all medical conditions and to adjust the treatment if necessary. For certain patients, such as those who are pregnant or have more severe medical conditions, a medical clearance may be necessary prior to starting root canal treatment.