Frequently Asked Questions
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and the tissues surrounding the tooth. Though the outer portion of the tooth is made up of hard tissues, the inside portion or “root canal” contains a combination of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Bacteria and microorganisms can be introduced into the tooth, and if they reach the pulp cause an infection along the entire tooth. Bacteria can enter from a cavity, periodontal disease, or a tooth fracture. During root canal treatment these bacteria are removed and with successful endodontic treatment the symptoms and infection resolves, so the tooth can return to function.
Should I be worried about dental x-rays?
No, you shouldn’t. We take every precaution to minimize the x-rays taken. X-rays are exposed only when needed and they are necessary during endodontic treatment. Digital radiography is an advanced non-film system, this creates radiation that is up to 90 percent lower than those of the already low dose conventional dental x-rays.
WILL THE TREATMENT BE PAINFUL?
We will take every measure to ensure that anesthesia to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after a few hours.
What happens after treatment?
When your treatment is completed we will send all your information and images to your general dentist as the record of your treatment. Within a month of your treatment being completed by our office you should contact your dentist’s office for the follow-up restoration. Your general dentist will determine what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is uncommon for endodontic patients to experience complications after endodontic treatment or microsurgery. But if a problem does occur, we are available at all times to respond.
Is endodontic microsurgery painful?
Patients may experience some mild discomfort or soreness after the procedure, and this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Endodontic microsurgery is performed under local anesthesia to eliminate any discomfort during the procedure.
How long does it take to recover after endodontic microsurgery?
At the consultation, Dr. Hackbarth can review the specifics of your treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. Recovery time after endodontic microsurgery can vary depending on the complexity of the treatment. Most patients return to their normal activities within a few days and can expect a full recovery within 2-4 weeks.
WILL I NEED TO RETURN TO YOUR OFFICE FOR FOLLOW-UPS AFTER THE PROCEDURE IS FINISHED?
Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office one year after the procedure was finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for your follow-up appointment. In the meantime, it is of the utmost importance that you see your general dentist to have the tooth permanently restored 2-3 weeks after treatment is completed in our office
I’M WORRIED ABOUT EXPOSED RADIATION FROM X-RAYS. SHOULD I BE?
No. While radiographs (x-ray images) will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed, and sent to your restorative dentist via secure e-mail or portal that is HIPAA compliance.
Myths About Root Canal Treatment
There are many misconceptions surrounding root canal (endodontic) treatment. The American Association of Endodontists wants you to have accurate information.
MYTH 1: ROOT CANAL TREATMENT IS PAINFUL.
That may have been the case decades ago, but with modern technology and anesthetics, you won’t experience any more pain than if you went to have a cavity filled. The pain from a severe toothache, often caused by damaged tissues in the tooth, can be easily remedied when an endodontist removes the damaged tissue through root canal treatment. In addition, endodontists are experts in pain management, and most cases can be treated quickly and comfortably.
MYTH 2: ROOT CANAL TREATMENT CAUSES ILLNESS.
Information you may find on the Internet or elsewhere, claiming that if you receive a root canal treatment that you’re more likely to become ill or contract a systemic disease in the future simply isn’t true. This false claim was based on long-debunked and poorly designed research conducted nearly a century ago, long before modern medicine understood the actual causes of many diseases. There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to cancer or disease elsewhere in the body. In fact, modern research has shown that patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a 45 percent reduced risk of cancer. (Tezal M, et al. Dental Caries and Head and Neck Cancers. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 139(10):1054-60, Oct. 2013.).
Myth 3: It’s better to pull a tooth than have root canal treatment.
Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is always the best option. Nothing artificial can replace the look or function of a natural tooth so it’s important to always consider root canal treatment as an option. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate and many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime. Replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or implant requires more time in treatment and may result in further procedures to neighboring teeth and supporting tissue.
Myth 4: Root Canals Involve Removing the Roots of the Tooth.
When a root canal treatment is performed, the pulp from inside of the tooth is removed. The roots of the tooth are not removed.
Myth 5: If My Tooth Doesn't Hurt, There is No Need for a Root Canal.
While a throbbing toothache typically is a telltale sign of a need for root canal treatment, there are times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Endodontists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth. And remember, when it comes to teeth: There is no pain that is normal, so be sure to see an endodontist if you have a toothache.