FAQ's
about Endodontic

Endodontics is a field of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association, which involves nerve treatment (the root canal) and the tissues surrounding the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hiding under the edge of the gums, is called the root. Although the external part of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside canal or "root canal" contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The bacteria that enter the nerve because of caries, periodontal disease, dental fracture, or other problems can seriously damage the pulp. When this happens, an Endodontist extracts the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent a bigger infection and inflammation. After a successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues working normally.

No. Although it is necessary to take x-rays during the endodontic treatment, we use an advanced computerized system called digital x-ray. This produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of conventional dental x-ray devices.

The following symptoms may indicate that you need to start an endodontic treatment:

• Prolonged dental sensitivity to cold and hot things.
• Tooth tenderness when touched or when chewing.
• Face or mouth swelling.
• Irradiated and constant pain.

A modern root canal treatment is painless since pain can be controlled. Lidocaine is a common local anesthetic. Painkillers can be used before or after the treatment.

Your endodontist will give you instructions for later care to guarantee quick recovery. We will also send your dentist a record of your treatment together with the digital x-ray. A non restored tooth is susceptible to a fracture, for which reason you will have to program a visit to your dentist as soon as possible for the final restoration.

Some discomfort is expected in the tooth and surrounding area for some days after the treatment while the natural healing process occurs. This sensitivity is generally relieved with over-the-counter medicines. The patients should not chew or bite with the tooth treated until their dentist restores it.

Once the tooth nerve is diseased, extraction is the only alternative to endodontic. However, replacing the tooth with a bridge, an implant, or a partial denture could be more expensive than the endodontic therapy, and a crown is less effective than the natural tooth.

The cost varies according to the complexity of the problem and the tooth affected. Molars are more difficult to treat, for which reason the cost is usually higher. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatment. Generally, the cost of the endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth is lower than the alternative of extracting the tooth. An extracted tooth must be replaced with an implant or bridge to restore the chewing function and prevent the adjacent teeth from moving. These procedures tend to cost more than the endodontic treatment and proper restoration.

A new trauma, deep caries, or a loose, cracked, or broken filling, can cause a new infection in your tooth. In addition, in some cases, the endodontist can discover additional canals which are very narrow or even curved that could not be treated during the initial procedure.

Most of the teeth can. However, occasionally a tooth cannot be saved because the root canals are inaccessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth does not have appropriate bone support, or it cannot be restored. Nevertheless, the advances in Endodontics are making it possible to save those teeth that would have been lost some years ago. When endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be an alternative to save the tooth.

If your endodontist suggests an endodontic surgery, it is because they think that is the best option to save your natural tooth. There are no guarantees with any surgical procedure. Your endodontist will discuss the chances of success so that you can make an informed decision.