Endodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing and treating problems involving the nerve inside the tooth and the tissues around the root. Endodontists perform procedures such as root canal therapy, retreatment, and endodontic microsurgery to relieve pain, treat infection, and help patients preserve their natural teeth whenever possible.

Root canal therapy is a procedure used to treat inflammation or infection inside a tooth while helping preserve the natural tooth. During treatment, the damaged tissue inside the tooth is carefully removed, the canal space is cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed. Root canal therapy can relieve pain, treat infection, and allow the tooth to be restored with a permanent filling or crown.

No. While x-rays 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 referring doctors via e-mail.

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your referring dentist. You should contact your referring dentists office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.

Modern endodontic treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. With profound local anesthesia and careful technique, most patients describe root canal treatment as similar to having a filling done. If you are uncomfortable at any point, we will stop, reassess, and make sure you are fully numb before continuing.

In specific cases, we recommend that patients return to the office either 6 months or 1 year after the procedure is finished. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a recall appointment.

Some tenderness or soreness for several days after endodontic treatment is common, especially when biting or chewing. This usually reflects healing around the tooth and often improves gradually over one to two weeks. If discomfort is worsening, swelling develops, your bite feels high, or symptoms are not improving, please contact our office so we can evaluate the area and make sure healing is progressing appropriately.

Most patients can return to work or normal daily activities after root canal treatment. Your mouth may feel numb for a few hours, and the tooth may feel tender afterward, so we recommend avoiding chewing on that side until the numbness wears off. If your treatment involves surgery, sedation, or a more complex procedure, we will give you specific instructions before you leave.

If a permanent filling or crown was delayed after root canal treatment and the tooth is now hurting, the tooth should be evaluated as soon as possible. A temporary filling can wear down or leak over time, allowing bacteria to re-enter the tooth or causing the tooth to become irritated or cracked. We will examine the tooth, take any necessary imaging, and determine whether the tooth can still be restored, needs retreatment, or requires another treatment option; if retreatment is needed due to delayed restoration or reinfection, it will be a separate procedure with an additional fee.