What is “Endodontic Therapy”?

“ Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for tooth. Endodontic therapy treats the inside of the tooth. In the center of the tooth, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Why would I need an Endodontic Procedure?

The pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to the invasion of bacteria. It can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Signs of pulpal damage may include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold. Discoloration of the tooth, swelling tenderness in the nearby gums can also be signs. Sometimes, there are no signs or symptoms.

Why did my dentist refer me to you?

Your dentist has referred you to our office to help assure you obtain the best treatment possible. When problems occur within your tooth they may be more complicated and require specialized procedures and equipment which are not typically provided by your primary dentist. St. Croix Endodontics has the specialized equipment needed to perform the procedures successfully. Our dentists are certified Endodontists. This means they have two additional years of specialized training in treating endodontic conditions. Their expertise allows them to provide you with the best in diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Who performs endodontic treatment?

Endodontists are dentists with special training in endodontic procedures. They complete dental school and an additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics. They are experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

Why do I need Root Canal Therapy?

Endodontic therapy, or “Root Canal Therapy”, is necessary when the pulp tissue in your tooth is exposed to bacteria. This pulp, or soft inner tissue of your tooth, is normally surrounded by a layer of dentin. Above the gumline, the dentin is covered by a layer of enamel. Below the gumline, the dentin is covered by cementum. When a crack or cavity destroys these protective layers, the pulp is exposed. This can result in infection and eventually, an abscess. Trauma, or a severe blow to the tooth, may also damage pulp tissue. By utilizing endodontic therapy, this damaged or infected tissue is removed, and the tooth is returned to a healthy condition.

How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?

Endodontists remove the inflamed or infected pulp. You will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

What if my tooth is cracked?

A patient with a cusp or vertical fracture will often develop symptoms identical to teeth with endodontic problems. If a fracture is evident, depending on the extent, root canal therapy and /or a crown may or may not completely relieve the patient of their symptoms.

Do I have any other options?

The only other option to endodontic therapy is to have the tooth extracted. This could cause the adjoining teeth to shift, which could interfere with your biting and chewing. Loss of teeth may also lead to gum disease and loss of additional teeth. While you may have a tooth implanted, or a dental bridge made, these options can be expensive and require even more dental work. When it comes down to it, there are no substitutions for natural teeth, which are more efficient in chewing, biting and speech than artificial teeth would be.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?

With modern techniques and anesthetics most patients report that they are comfortable during the entire procedure. The first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. The discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medication.

How much will the procedure cost?

Cost varies on how severe the problem is and which tooth is affected. Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted and a bridge placed. An extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or implant to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.

Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment?

You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have it restored by your dentist. The tooth will be susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist, as soon as possible, for full restoration. Otherwise, you need regular checkups and cleanings and practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. Sometimes, a tooth that has received treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to exist. In some cases, the pain may occur months or years after treatment. If so, root canal retreatment or endodontic surgery may be needed.

What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need additional treatment?

New trauma, deep decay or a loose, cracked or broken filling.

Can all teeth be treated endodontically?

Most teeth can be treated. 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. New technology is making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. When endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.

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