Patient Information
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, 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 which consists 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.
What about sterilization?
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 your dentist's office for follow-up restoration. The tooth should be restored within four to six weeks of completion of the root canal treatment. 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 always available.
What new technologies are being used?
Digital Radiography (x-rays):
We use a state of the art computerized system, called digital radiography, to produce patient x-rays. This system uses a small sensor instead of the film used in conventional dental x-rays. The sensor transmits the image to a computer monitor, where it can be enhanced and magnified. This greatly increases the efficiency of the x-ray process, improving the ability to make a diagnosis. Digital radiography uses up to 90% less radiation than conventional dental x-rays, and the high-resolution images appear in an instant, eliminating the time spent waiting for the developing of film. This process is also environmentally friendly; chemicals necessary for developing conventional x-rays are not needed for digital radiography.
Operating Microscopes:
We utilize special operating microscopes for both conservative root canal therapy and surgical root canal procedures. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a tiny video camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor's findings.
Apex Locators:
It is important for the success of root canal treatment to clean and fill to the end of the root, or apex. We utilize apex locators which monitor the difference between tissue surrounding the tooth and tooth structure to aid in determining the length of the root. Apex locators also detect perforations and root fractures with minimal radiation and decreased treatment time. The use of apex locators results in less post operative pain, less retreatment of previously endodontically treated teeth and in addition reduces the need for numerous radiographs.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide / oxygen is a safe, effective sedative agent used in dentistry to calm a patient's fear of the dental visit and enhance effective communication. Additionally, it works well for patients who have difficulty controlling their gag reflex, experience pain because of sensitive teeth, or do not respond well to numbing medications. Under nitrous oxide you remain concious and able to breathe on your own, with a sense of total well-being (euphoria). Patients generally recover quickly, and can leave the office by themselves, without an escort. Nitrous oxide / oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is well tolerated. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations and is non-allergenic. The patient remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide / oxygen. Please contact us prior to your visit if you have any questions or are interested in having sedation during your procedure.
For more information, check out these informative links to professional dental associations:
The American Association of Endodontists
The American Dental Association
The North Shore District Dental Society
The Massachusetts Dental Society