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Endodontists, general dentists and patients tell their stories in two new videos from the AAE (www.aae.org).
Features interviews with patients from the AAE’s first Access to Care Project describing their positive, pain-free experiences
Explains the positive relationships endodontists have with their referring general practitioners
An endodontist is a dentist who has completed a 2 or 3 year specialty program beyond dental school that focuses on endodontic (root canal) therapy. This additional training expands extensively on the dental school endodontic curriculum. As specialists, endodontists specifically perform root canal treatment and associated procedures. These include complex root canal therapy , retreatments of existing root canals, root-end surgeries, whitening of root canal treated teeth and treatment of traumatic injuries in children and adults.
Root canal treatment is a way to help you save your natural tooth. You may need root canal treatment because of a cavity (tooth decay) or because of an abscess at the end of the tooth roots. Root canal treatment is occasionally performed to facilitate restoring a tooth and to keep it functional.
This is the question that we are asked most frequently. The procedure should not be uncomfortable. Modern dentistry has created wonderful options for anesthesia and pain management. Dr. Barr and Dr. Spencer want this to be a pleasant experience and will do everything they can to keep you comfortable.
Discomfort
You may experience some discomfort following root canal treatment. You may notice this if you tap on the tooth or push on it with your tongue or finger. This sensitivity can usually be managed by over-the-counter medications.
Final Filling
There will be a temporary filling in the tooth after the root canal treatment is completed. This temporary can seal the opening for up to 4 weeks. We recommend that you see your dentist for a definitive filling / crown within this time period. If you are still experiencing symptoms, we request that you contact our office prior to seeing your dentist for the final restoration. Failure to have a definitive filling placed can lead to re-contamination of the root canal system and the need for a root canal retreatment to be performed resulting in additional time and expense for you.
Research on root canal therapy done as early as the 1930s and 40s shows no correlation between root canal therapy and general physical illness. The presence of bacteria in the mouth has been proven, even in individuals who do not have any dental disease (cavities, gum disease, etc). Additional references and information can be found at http://www.aae.org/patients/mythsrootcanal/. Drs. Barr and Spencer are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding root canal treatment and your health.
If you choose to delay or decline treatment, several things may happen. You may develop pain or the tooth may abscess, creating a swelling of the gums, face or jaw that may be dangerous. The other concern is that bone may be lost around the roots of the tooth in response to the chronic infection. This can lead to mobility of the tooth and eventual loss of the tooth.
As a consumer you deserve to have all possible information prior to making any decisions about your healthcare. Options include extraction of the tooth and replacement with either a dental implant (screw placed in the bone with a false tooth to replace the missing one), bridge (two crowns cemented on the teeth on either side with a false tooth in the center) or a removable partial denture (a false tooth / teeth to replace the missing tooth / teeth that can be removed from the mouth)
Despite all of the advancements in dentistry, there is no real replacement for your natural teeth. The loss of even one tooth can cause shifting and changes in the bite (occlusion) that may require extensive treatment to correct.
Drs. Barr and Spencer are happy to discuss your treatment options with you at your visit. Your dentist is a wonderful resource as well.
The fees depend on several things, including root canal anatomy, location of the tooth in the mouth, the need for medications inside the tooth, what type of filling materials are used and if the procedure is a retreatment of previous root canal therapy or a surgical procedure.
Our staff is happy to provide you with a cost range based on the treatment that you require. A more specific fee can be provided at your evaluation or treatment appointment following the doctor’s evaluation of your specific tooth.
We do not accept dental insurance as a form of payment; however, our staff is happy to help you file your claim and obtain direct reimbursement from you insurance carrier. For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards and offer several financing options.
