FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or "root canal" contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.
I'm worried about x-rays. Should I be?
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that reduces 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 co-therapists via e-mail or diskette. For more information contact Schick Technologies, Inc.
What about infection?
Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact his or her office for a follow-up restoration within a couple 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.
What new technologies are being used?
Surgical Operating Microscopes:
We utilize the JED MED surgical operating microscopes. Magnification and optimal illumination are helpful in aiding us to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a video camera on the operating microscope can record images and video of your tooth to further document the doctor's findings.
Digital Radiography:
The Schick Technologies, Inc. Digital Radiography system lowers radiation levels by 90% and can optimized to improve diagnosis.
Drug interaction analysis:
All prescribed medications undergo an interaction analysis utilizing the Lexi-Comp drug interaction program to endure a comfortable visit.
Ultrasonics:
We utilized several manufactures of ultrasonic units, all of which have a different indicated uses. Some are used to remove broken instruments and posts, to gain access into hard to find canals, while others are used in apical surgeries and canal repairs and the list goes on.
Custom Designed Instruments:
In many retreatment cases because of the complexity of the case, intruments and techniques maybe designed to gain access to the diseased root system to provide a more predictable result.