Endodontics is another way for your Buffalo dentist to talk about "treating the inside of the tooth," and is more commonly called a "root canal". Most of us cringe when we hear those words and conjure up awful, torturous images in our heads. However, with today's advanced techniques, materials, and anesthetics, many say that having a root canal was a comfortable experience and not traumatic at all. In his Buffalo, New York area office, Dr. Larry Evola uses the latest advances in restorative dentistry techniques to make you as comfortable as you can be while restoring your teeth to full health.
What Services Fall Under Endodontics?
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the tissue and pulp surrounding the roots of teeth. Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic treatment, but others include endodontic surgical treatments, the treatment of dental trauma, and the placement of dental implants.
What is a Root Canal?
It's a tunnel in the center of the tooth, underneath the enamel and dentin layers. It runs from the tip of the tooth, deep inside the jawbone, up to the tooth's crown, the visible part above the gum. Inside it is what's called the "pulp", which consists of blood vessels, the tooth's nerve and connective tissues. Each tooth's vein, artery, tiny branching capillaries, and nerve run from the general circulatory and nervous systems into the root canal to nourish the tooth, remove waste, and give it sensation.
Causes and Symptoms
When a tooth is neglected and becomes decayed, the bacteria, left to themselves, multiply in numbers and spread through the tooth's tissue into the root canal. They excrete acids and toxins which eat away at the tooth tissues, the gum tissue, and even the bone, if nothing is done to stop them.
Ordinary decay resulting from poor dental hygiene can start this process. So can an injury to the tooth which cracks the enamel, inviting bacteria inside the tooth.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you need to call Dr. Evola's office right away to determine the problem:
- Tooth pain
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tooth is sensitive or tender to the touch
- Swelling
- Drainage
- Discoloration of tooth
You may need root canal treatment but be experiencing no pain. You would have had pain in the past, but without any intervention, the decay continued until it destroyed the tooth's nerve. With its nerve dead, the tooth will give you no pain, but it will be in dire need of dental rescue!
Are Root Canals Painful?
Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthetic and is no more uncomfortable than a standard filling. If you are nervous about root canal treatment, we would be happy to discuss sedation options during your endodontic consultation.
Will I Get X-Rays Prior to My Root Canal?
X-rays are one of the diagnostic tools necessary for identifying tooth infection to determine if a root canal is needed. If you are experiencing an oral health issue, an x-ray is likely unavoidable.
The Root Canal Procedure
If Dr. Evola determines that you do need endodontics to save your tooth and restore it to health, he'll start by taking an x-ray of the affected tooth.
Insurance typically covers some portion of the cost of a root canal and crown. We will be happy to check with your insurance company before your procedure to see what portion they will cover and what portion you will be responsible for. For your convenience, we accept credit cards and have financing available.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Evola, I have to say meeting you and your staff today was one of the best dental appointments I have ever had. I was very apprehensive about coming in today but after doing so I am very happy I did. Thank you for making this such an easy pleasant experience so far."
Will I Need Any Medicines After My Root Canal Treatment?
Following a root canal, you may want to take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to deal with any residual discomfort. Depending on the severity of your infection, additional antibiotic medications may be needed as well. This will be based on factors unique to your situation and can best be determined during your time in our care.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery from a root canal is very quick. In fact, most people are able to resume all normal activities right away. You may have some residual soreness, but this can easily be addressed with over-the-counter medications. If you have undergone sedation, you will need to arrange for a ride to and from your procedure and will need to wait until the effects have worn off to resume normal activities.
It may take a few days to get used to your new dental crown. Changes to the bite can impact the way you eat and speak, but you will adjust quickly. We can provide specific instructions to help you adjust after we have placed your restoration.
What Can I Expect From My Results?
Following root canal treatment, your infection should be gone entirely. So long as you take proper care of your teeth, the likelihood of infection occurring again is extremely low.
Your new dental crown will be shaped and shaded to match adjacent teeth. When cared for properly, it should continue to provide a strong and reliable replacement for the tooth is protecting, but it may be necessary to replace your crown over time. During your routine office visits, we will carefully assess the strength of your crown to determine when it might be best to replace it.
Schedule a Client Consultation In Depew, NY
If you have unexplained tooth pain, please call 716-656-8686 or email our cosmetic dentist right away to schedule an appointment. Decay or infection that is left untreated for too long can cause damage to surrounding teeth and bone and even cause tooth loss. Forestream Dental proudly serves Buffalo, New York and the nearby communities of Orchard Park, Amherst, Williamsville and West Seneca, New York with endodontics consultations.
