Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp space (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth--the portion hidden beneath the gum line--is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or "root canal" contains a pulp of soft tissue, comprising blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic expert removes the diseased pulp (or disinfects the canal space if already infected) to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your referring dentist. You should contact your referring dentists office for a follow-up restoration as soon as possible, but at least within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, please call our office so we can help.

We understand that dental procedures can be stressful, so we make every effort to keep you comfortable. Before starting, we’ll gently numb the area with a small injection of local anesthetic. Most patients describe feeling only mild pressure, and our use of a microscope allows for precise, minimally noticeable injections. The numbness typically wears off after 2-3 hours, and we’re happy to discuss pain management options if you experience any discomfort afterward.

Yes, we recommend a follow-up appointment about a year after your root canal to ensure the long-term success of the treatment. This check-up helps us monitor your recovery and catch any potential issues early. We’ll send you a reminder when it’s time for the recall appointment, and there’s no charge for this visit. Follow-ups are an important part of our commitment to delivering the best possible care and results.

If you’re in pain, we’ll do everything we can to see you as quickly as possible. We reserve slots each day for emergencies, so same-day or next-business-day appointments are often available. You or your dentist can check availability using our online chat or by contacting reception directly. We understand how important timely care is for dental pain, and our goal is to address your emergency promptly.