ENDODONTICS - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is endodontic (root canal) treatment?
A: "Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth where the root canals are located.
Q: Why would I need an endodontic procedure?
A: Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Q: What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
A: Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms.
Q: How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
A: The endodontist removes the affected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the root canals and then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration (filling) on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Q: Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
A: Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp disease. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontist’s instructions carefully.
Q: Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment?
A: You should not chew or bite hard things on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing and regular checkups and cleanings.
Q: What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need additional treatment?
A: Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. When this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure often save the tooth.
Q: Can all teeth be treated endodontically?
A: Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. When endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.
