FAQs | Reno, NV | Endodontic Associates

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about endodontic issues. If you have any other questions, please contact us.

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Q:	What is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist with advanced training in diseased or damaged pulp or soft inner tissues of your teeth. Endodontists spend at least two years after dental school training to become specialists in the techniques and procedures involved in diagnosing and treating dental problems that originate inside your teeth. In practice they only perform endodontic procedures and therefore have extensive experience in this area. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic surgery. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

Q:	Are root canal treatments painful?

A:	Local anesthesia makes treatment painless. While there may be some discomfort for a brief period after treatment, this can be controlled with aspirin-strength medications.

Q:	What will happen to my tooth after root canal therapy?

It will be necessary for you to see your dentist to have a permanent filling placed or a crown made for the tooth. You should contact your dentist within a few days of completion of your root canal treatment. Your dentist will assist you in choosing the most suitable kind of restoration necessary to protect your tooth.

Q:	Will my tooth last forever after treatment?

Root canal therapy has been reported to be up to 96% successful when treated by an endodontist. Many factors influence the treatment outcome including the patient's general health, bone support around the tooth, strength of the tooth, possible fracture lines, shape and condition of the root and the canals and continued follow-up care with your general dentist. Although we cannot guarantee the successful outcome of root canal procedures, you can be assured that the most advanced techniques and treatment modalities will be performed to ensure the best prognosis possible.

Q:	What about infection control?

Reducing the chance of spreading infectious diseases has always been the "highest priority" of the dental profession. Our office uses comprehensive infection control procedures which comply with, and exceed the "universal precautions" set and regulated by government and professional agencies.

We routinely monitor our infection control policies and ensure that upgrades to material and equipment, as well as training in their use, is an on going process.

Many of our control procedures are visible; gloved hands, protective masks and eyewear and freshly laundered uniforms.

What may not be visible to our patients is the sophisticated state-of-the-art sterilization of all instruments, including handpieces, disinfection of all surfaces, and disposal of contaminated waste into special containers which are then discarded according to government regulations.

Q:	Are dental x-rays safe?

With today's x-ray machines producing minimal radiation and the use of fast x-ray film, recent studies have shown that there is no risk of long-term adverse effects to patients.

The amount of radiation used to expose dental x-rays is very small. We use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-rays.

Q:	What should I expect after the treatment?

Removal of pulp tissue from a root canal can produce an inflammation in the socket holding the tooth. Unlike our skin which can expand, increased fluid in bone produces pressure on sensitive structures like the membranes of our sinuses or large nerve structures in our jaw.

All inflammation takes 7 to 10 days to disappear. The medications you are given will help to minimize any discomfort from the inflammation resulting from your condition and the treatment rendered, but if you are unsure about your condition, please contact our office so we may check the progress of your healing.