FAQ About Non Surgical Endodontic Therapy

What is the dental pulp?

The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root. When damaged by a crack in the tooth or a deep cavity, bacteria will penetrate the pulp.

• Signs of pulp damage include:
• sensitivity to heat or cold
• discoloration of the tooth
• tenderness in the nearby gums

Will I feel pain during or after the procedre?

Many endodontic procedures are performed to alleviate the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

What can I expect after my tooth has had root canal therapy?

Most patients experience mild soreness for 5-7 days, although some patients may have no soreness at all. Soreness that is experienced will feel like a small bruise on the underside of your tooth.

Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?

The crown portion of the tooth must be restored to support the restoration of the root canal.

FAQ About Endodontic Retreatment

Why is an endodontic retreatment necessary?

The tooth may not heal as expected after the initial root canal procedure due to untreated narrow or curved canals, complex anatomy, or new decay.

What is the process of an endodontic retreatment?

The restorative materials such as the crown are removed, and access is made to the canals of the tooth. Next, the canal filling is removed and the endodontist cleans the canals and examines the inside of the tooth under the surgical microscope- giving the endodontist more visibility to the canals and anatomy of the tooth. Once this is done, the canals are filled permanently.

Overview of Endodontic Surgery

Usually, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will function properly and never need further endodontic treatment. However, in few cases, a tooth may fail to heal. The tooth may become painful or inflamed, after proper treatment. In this case, endodontic surgery can save your tooth.

FAQ About Endodontic Surgery

What Happens During Endodontic Surgery?

An opening is made near the tooth for examination of the gum tissue, allowing visibility to the area where the treatment completed. Root end resection is completed removal of the inflamed and infected tissue, cut off the root end and place a filling to help seal the end of the root.

Are there special instructions following surgery?

Following surgery, it is particularly important to keep direct application of a cold compress to the surgical site as frequently as possible. It is important to take all medications on schedule and rinse with a prescribed oral rinse as directed.