Frequently Asked Questions Where did the word endodontics originate? Who performs Endodontic procedures? What is an Endodontist? How do I know I need a root canal? What are the symptoms? How will Endodontic Therapy save my tooth? Will there be pain during the root canal? How much will the procedure cost? What is Endodontic surgery? What if my pain persists? What is the alternative to surgery? Q: Where did the word endodontics originate? A: "Endo" is the Greek word for within and "Odont" is the Greek word for tooth. Q: Who performs Endodontic procedures? A: All dentists receive some level of endodontic training in dental school. After completion of the general dentistry program, some dentists elect to further their education in a specialty. Q: What is an Endodontist? A: A specialist in a specialized area of dentistry, Endodontics. The dentist has had three continuous years of training after general dentistry. The specialty program, called Advanced Specialty Education Program, allows the Endodontist to learn advanced techniques, techology, and how to administer the best patient endodontic care possible. Q: How do I know I need a root canal? A: When the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal is considered. This can be caused by deep tooth decay, a cracked tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or trauma to the tooth. Q: What are the symptoms? A: There are not always immediate symptoms. The patient may experience discomfort or pain, and then the situation seems resolved but may not be. Other signs are pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, discoloration, and swelling or other tenderness in the gum area. Q: How will Endodontic Therapy save my tooth? A: The Endodontist will remove the diseased pulp, clean and shape the inside of the tooth (canal), and then fill and seal the space. Your general dentist will then restore the tooth with a crown, or by other methods, to full function. This will keep your teeth from shifting and prevent bone loss. Q: Will there be pain during the root canal? A: The tooth area will be anesthetized before the procedure begins, much in the same way you are numbed before a cavity filling. This will eliminate pain during the procedure. A few days after the procedure, the area may be a little sensitive, especially if there is infection present. This level of pain can usually be relieved with over-the-counter medications. Your Endodontist will instruct you on what medications to take and your overall home care routine. Q: How much will the procedure cost? A: The cost of an endodontic procedure varies with the tooth being affected and the severity of the problem. Many dental policies will pay toward a root canal procedure as the only alternative to extraction. Check with your dental insurance carrier for more details. Q: What is Endodontic surgery? A: An apicoectomy is a root end resection. This relieves the infection in the bony area at the end of the tooth. The Endodontist opens the gum area and removes the infected tissue, and may remove the end of the root. A small filling may be placed to seal the canal. This is done under local anesthetic with only a few stitches to secure the gum tissue. Within a few months, the bone heals around the end of the root. Appropriate pain medication will be discussed to alleviate any discomfort. Q: What if my pain persists? A: Your Endodontist will give you specific post-operative instructions on the do's and don'ts of your follow up care. If you have any concerns or if your pain persists, do not hesitate to call your Endodontist. Q: What is the alternative to surgery? A: The alternative to surgery is extraction of the tooth. No matter how effective modern tooth replacements are, there is nothing better for the body and mind than your own natural teeth. Back To The Top Of The Page information@321endo.com