Definition:* Endodontics /en·do·don·tics/ (-don´tiks): the branch of dentistry concerned with the etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that affect the tooth pulp, root, and periapical tissues.
endo·dontic adj.
endo·dontist n.
Questions :
1. Why do I need endodontic treatment?2. What are the signs that I need endodontic treatment?3. How does endodontic treatment save my tooth?4. Would it be better just to have my tooth extracted?5. Because I was referred to an endodontist, does this mean that I definitely need a root canal?6. I didn’t have any problems until after my dentist placed a crown/filling. Why do I need a root canal now?7. Does root canal treatment hurt?8. Will I have pain following the treatment?9. How long does the procedure take?10. How soon can I return to work following treatment?11. My dentists already took x-rays. Why do I need additional x-rays in your office?12. How much does root canal treatment cost?13. Is root canal treatment covered by my dental insurance?14. Is root canal treatment usually successful?15. Do I need a referral to see an endodontist?16. What happens if I have a dental emergency?17. Why should I have an Endodontist instead of my general dentist do my root canal?18. Why not just extract (pull) my tooth?
Answers :
1. Why do I need endodontic treatment?
Sometimes the pulp inside your tooth (AKA the “nerve”) becomes inflamed or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow or traumatic injury to the tooth. The inflamed or infected pulp tissue needs to be removed in these circumstances.
2. What are the signs that I need endodontic treatment?
In many instances you may experience no symptoms. However, typical signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and/or tenderness in the nearby gums.
3. How does endodontic treatment save my tooth?
Dr. Dayani removes the inflamed or infected pulp tissue, and he carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth. Internal part of the tooth is then filled and sealed. Afterwards, you return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration. In most cases your general dentist will install posts into the tooth for support and fill the internal chamber of the tooth with “core” material. This is followed by placing a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.
4. Would it be better just to have my tooth extracted?
Saving your natural teeth, whenever possible, is the very best option. An endodontically treated tooth, along with appropriate restoration, has many advantages for the patient. It is the best functional unit for chewing and speech. Endodontics is also a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and replacement with a bridge or an implant.
5. Because I was referred to an endodontist, does this mean that I definitely need a root canal?
No. Dentists refer patients to an endodontist to help determine the cause of tooth pain or to determine the status of a particular tooth. Dr. Dayani will first make a careful diagnosis. In some cases, the patient and the referring dentist are informed that root canal therapy is not needed.
6. I didn’t have any problems until after my dentist placed a crown/filling. Why do I need a root canal now?
It is not necessary or desirable to perform root canal treatment on each and every tooth that needs a crown or a filling. However, in a small percentage of cases, root canal treatment is needed after a crown or a deep filling is placed in order to save the tooth, when the pulp tissue becomes inflamed.
7. Does root canal treatment hurt?
Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it. Most patients see their dentist immediately when they have a severe toothache. Such 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. In other cases, root canal therapy is indicated when the patient has no symptoms in order to prevent problems in the future and save the tooth.
8. Will I have pain following the treatment?
Dr. Dayani practices and teaches an advanced technique in endodontics known for minimal postoperative discomfort levels. Based on Dr. Dayani’s clinical (double-blind and placebo-controlled) studies, most people are comfortable following treatment. Patients who experience residual soreness after the procedure report that it is usually relieved by over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen. The majority of his patients are so comfortable that they find it unnecessary to take any pain medication.
9. How long does the procedure take?
The length of treatment depends on the tooth involved and the complexity of the case. In many cases treatment can be completed in 60 to 90 minutes or less.
10. How soon can I return to work following treatment?
Some patients who have treatment in the morning go to work in the afternoon. Others can resume their usual activities the day after the treatment.
11. My dentists already took x-rays. Why do I need additional x-rays in your office?
Your dentist usually takes x-rays to detect cavities; Dr. Dayani takes special x-rays to view the roots of the teeth. These images assist Dr. Dayani in making an accurate diagnosis.
12. How much does root canal treatment cost?
The fee depends on the tooth involved and the number of visits required. At the time of your examination appointment with Dr. Dayani, there will be a full discussion of fees so that you will know what to expect prior to treatment.
13. Is root canal treatment covered by my dental insurance?
Dr. Dayani’s office works with a number of dental benefit plans. Patient financing plans are also available.
14. Is root canal treatment usually successful?
Endodontic treatment has a very high success rate. Many root canal treated teeth last a lifetime. Millions of healthy endodontically treated teeth serve patients all over the world, years and years after treatment.
Those healthy teeth are helping patients chew efficiently, improve patients’ speech, maintain the natural appearance of their smiles and enhance their enjoyment of life. Through endodontic treatment, endodontists enable patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
15. Do I need a referral to see an endodontist?
No. You can see an endodontist, the same way you see your dentist. No referral is required to see
Dr. Dayani. Generally your dentist determines the need for a root canal treatment, root canal re-treatment, and/or root canal surgery. Dr. Dayani first confirms the diagnosis and the proposed treatment options, and if needed, initiates treatment.
16. What happens if I have a dental emergency?
If a patient feels that there may be a need for any of the above services due to pain swelling or discomfort, he or she may go directly to Dr. Dayani for an evaluation, and if needed, the appropriate treatment. Subsequent to the endodontic care, the patient must return to his or her own dentist for completion of the restorative treatment.
Our office treats emergency patients on the same day. We are available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week to treat your dental emergencies. Routine office hours are M – F, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
17. Why should I have an Endodontist instead of my general dentist do my root canal?
Although some general dentists perform root canal procedures, many refer their patients to endodontists. Endodontists are specialists who have two to three years’ additional training in root canal treatments after dental school and limit their practices to endodontic procedures. They can often save the most severely injured teeth.
– Dr. Dayani does most his treatments in one visit when indicated. Most his patients who have had other root canals done by their general dentist say that “it has been [their] most pleasant dental experience ever.”
– The fact is, that although Dr. Dayani’s practice is limited to endodontics, patients do return time and again for their root canal part of their dental treatment to Dr. Dayani and then return to their regular dentist (general dentist) for the remainder of their dental work, since the root canal treatment is done so quickly and comfortably.
18. Why not just extract (pull) my tooth?
Nothing is as good as your natural tooth!
Saving your natural tooth should always be your first choice when dental care is needed. Nothing, not even the most advanced bridges and implants, can truly replace your natural tooth.
– If your dentist recommends extracting your tooth, ask if it can be saved with an endodontic procedure, also known as root canal treatment. Get a second opinion from an endodontist. Endodontic treatment removes the injured pulp (soft inner tissue) of your tooth and fills and seals the space. Your tooth is then restored and can function just like any other tooth for the rest of your life, ensuring comfortable chewing and a natural appearance.
– Although some general dentists perform root canal procedures, many refer their patients to endodontists. Endodontists are specialists who have two to three years additional training after dental school in root canal treatment and limit their practices to endodontic procedures. They can often save the most severely injured teeth. This additional training is what makes most Dr. Dayani’s patient describe their experience as “the most pleasant dental experience ever.”
– If your tooth cannot be saved — and some cannot — you may consider replacements such as a bridge or dental implant. Your options may depend upon the condition of surrounding teeth and bone structure.
– Dental implant procedures can be complex, costly and they often require several visits and several month’s healing time before the procedure can be completed.
Do everything possible to save your teeth before considering extraction. Nothing is as good as your natural tooth!
We look forward to seeing you in our office. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the office at (888) NYC- ENDO or (212) 221-3155