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Q: What is a root canal treatment?

A: Root canal treatments are performed to prevent or cure perira-dicular infection (infection in the bone adjacent to the roots). Th e basis is to eliminate bacterial infection that has entered the root sys-tem of the tooth. Th e tooth’s defense system can only tolerate so much insult. Th erefore, if the infection is too great, symptoms and damage to the surrounding tissues will occur. On occasion, retreat-ment of root canals or root end surgery (apicoectomy) is needed. Th is occurs when there is recontamination or persistent infection due to anatomical variations of the root system. Most treatments are performed in one appointment. No additional preparatory mea-sures are needed for treatment, in most cases. Patients typically return to work or daily duties immediately.

Q: Why should I see an endodontist?

A: All dentists, including your general dentist, received some train-ing in endodontics while in dental school. Endodontists are special-ists with two to three years of extra training beyond dental school who perform only endodontic procedures, both routine and com-plex. Th ey are also experienced at fi nding the cause of oral and facial pain that is diffi cult to diagnose. Oft en, general dentists and other specialists refer patients needing endodontic treatment.

Q: Are root canals painful?

A: No! Today’s root canal treatments don’t need to be painful. Th e advancements in technology have provided endodontists with tools to aid in administering profound anesthesia, therefore eliminating the fear and anxiety of treatment. Getting a root canal should be like any other routine visit to the dental offi ce.

Q: What are my treatment options if diagnosed with a root canal?

A: If you are diagnosed with the need of a root canal or retreatment of a root canal, you always have the option of having your tooth extracted. Th e options left if you chose to do so are: do nothing about the empty space or attain a removable partial, bridge, or implant. In many cases, unless you have the correct information, you might lose a tooth that could have otherwise been saved with a simple painless root canal procedure.

Q: Why not just pull the tooth?

A: Complicated cases do not necessarily mean that your tooth needs to be extracted. Many endodontic treatments can save natural teeth

for a lifetime. Th e consequences of extracting a natural tooth are not individual. It can aff ect the distribution of forces to the remain-ing teeth and cause more stress, resulting in a higher likelihood of damaging the adjacent teeth. Your teeth also tend to shift when they are not in contact with one another, resulting in unfavorable move-ment that causes food traps and cavities. A bridge or removable partial can be made by anchoring onto adjacent teeth, but this too can cause unfavorable stress and potentially damage the adjacent anchoring teeth. Implants, the more favorable of these options, can take six to eight months to complete and in many cases will also re-quire bone graft ing and additional surgeries. Before deciding what road to choose, be informed of your available options and consider what can be done to save your natural teeth.

Q: How has root canal therapy changed through the years?

A: With research and technological advances, the fi eld of endodon-tics has seen some of the most advances of any dental specialty. Th e use of visual magnifi cation through microscopes with enhanced lighting has allowed endodontists to locate anatomical variations that otherwise would be missed leading to the failure of root canals. Th e use of cone beam computed tomography has allowed detection of anatomy in three-dimesions. CBCT is one of the most impor-tant innovations in dental diagnostics and has set an unprecedented standard of patient care. Unlike conventional CT imaging, CBCT acquired volumetric date with a single sweep of a scanner and cre-ated a highly precise, clear, readable 3-D image that gives invaluable information about anatomy and pathology with minimal radiation exposure. Th is eliminates the guess-work in diagnosis. Teeth that were suspicious of fractures or failing root canals can be analyzed to accurately determine what is going on and the correct treatment.

Th e home of North Dallas Endodontics and Endodontic Associates is the product of extensive research, thoughtful planning, and insightful vision. Th e dentists and staff put the fundamental concept of the end-odontic offi ce under the microscope, examining it with the same eye for detail and perfectionist discernment that underlies clinical excellence in endodontics. North Dallas Endodontics and Endodontic Associates enjoy a culture of compassion. Th e team wants patients to feel at ease and rest assured they will be taken care of. A technologically advanced offi ce, the practice is state-of-the-art from its paperless records to the latest equipment which speak to its main focus—a painless and positive experience at every visit.

ENDODONTICSEXPERT

NORTH DALLAS ENDODONTICS & ENDODONTIC ASSOCIATES

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2201 Martin Drive, Suite 100Bedford, TX 76021

(817) 283-5544www.eaoftarrantcounty.com

3213 N Macarthur Blvd., Suite 101 Irving, TX 75062(972) 659-0121

www.eaofi rving.com

1026 E. Wheatland Rd.Duncanville, TX 75137

(972) 479-5588www.eaofdallas.com

12655 N. Central Expressway Suite 1014

Dallas, TX 75243(214) 342-0425

www.northdallasendo.com

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