Frequently Asked Questions
Patient Information
Click on a link below for answers to our most frequently asked questions:
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it. Most patients see their dentist or endodontist when they have a severe toothache. The toothache can be caused by damaged tissues in the tooth. Root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relieving the pain you feel.
What is the success rate?
Although the pulp is removed, your tooth remains alive, nourished by surrounding tissues.
Most endodontically treated teeth will last as long as the other permanent teeth you have, provided the patient is in good health and their body has the ability to repair the damaged bone.
There are some teeth which cannot be treated endodontically, for example, some fractured roots or advanced gum disease. In addition, there are times when a surgical procedure may be indicated to save your tooth. This will depend on the nature of the problems existing prior to treatment or if the tissues do not heal normally after root canal therapy has been completed.
Can all teeth be treated endodontically?
Most teeth can be treated endodontically. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support or the tooth cannot be restored. Quite often when traditional Endodontic treatment is not effective, Endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.
What are the advantages of Endodontic therapy:
- The presence and appearance of natural teeth is psychologically important.
- It is important for patients to retain as many natural teeth as possible in sound condition. This places as little stress as possible on the adjacent teeth.
- Teeth treated may be used in bridge construction.
- Treatment may take place at any age.
- Endodontic treatment results in fewer complications and less post-procedure pain than tooth extraction or implants.
- Root canal treatment is generally less expensive than tooth extraction coupled with placement of a bridge or implants.
Who performs Endodontic treatment of dental patients?
During dental school, all dentists receive some training in root canal treatment. When a dentist decides whether to treat a patient they should consider the following factors; level of knowledge, degree of expertise, the available technology, the challenges or risks present and the chance of success.
Your family dentist may refer you to an endodontist because he or she believes that your case has the best chance to be successfully, efficiently and painlessly treated by an endodontist.
An endodontist is a dentist with advanced training in treating the diseased or damaged pulp, of your tooth. Endodontists spend at least two to three years after dental school, training to become endodontic specialists. In practice, they perform only endodontic procedures and therefore have extensive experience in this area. Many studies show a greater success rate from doctors who have extensive experience and perform the procedure daily for many patients.
What is the cost of Treatment:
The cost varies depending on how severe the problem is and which tooth is infected. Molars are more difficult to treat and usually cost more. Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for Endodontic treatment. Endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. Associated Dental Specialists participates with most major dental insurance companies. Our staff will gladly work with you on various methods of paying for our services.
