FAQs
Our Patients' Most Common Endodontic FAQs
Your Questions About Endodontic Treatment, Answered
If you've been referred to a specialist or are experiencing tooth discomfort, it's completely natural to have questions. These endodontic treatment FAQs are here to help you feel informed, at ease, and confident before you ever walk through our door. At Advanced Endodontics in Louisville, we believe that understanding your care is just as important as receiving it. Our team is committed to creating a calm, welcoming experience where every concern is heard and every question has a thoughtful answer.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. Endodontists require two additional years beyond dental school to be licensed. An Endodontist is a specialist in the art and science of root canals and associated procedures..
What do different kinds of tooth pain mean?
Find out the likely problem and what to do.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, choose the type that is closest to yours and click for more information.
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Possible Problem:
If the discomfort lasts only moments, sensitivity to hot and cold foods generally does not signal a problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by minimal gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface.
What To Do:
Try using toothpastes made for sensitive teeth such as Sensodyne. Brush up and down with a soft brush; brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your dentist
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Possible Problem:
Dental work may inflame the pulp inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity.
What To Do:
Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your dentist.
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Possible Problem:
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. There may be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What To Do:
See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is a cracked tooth, your dentist may send you to an endodontist. Cracked tooth pain comes from damage to the inner soft tissue of the tooth, the pulp. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in pulp-related procedures. Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, can relieve that pain.
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Possible Problem:
This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.
What To Do:
See your endodontist to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
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Possible Problem:
A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected.
What To Do:
See your endodontist for evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. Take over-the-counter analgesics until you see the endodontist.
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Possible Problem:
The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache.
What To Do:
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter analgesics or sinus medicine. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or endodontist for evaluation.
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Possible Problem:
Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head and neck, but other dental or medical problems may be responsible.
What To Do:
See your endodontist for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, your endodontist will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or a physician.
FAQ
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We have the best imaging available to help diagnosis and treat endodontic issues. We use Cone Beam Computer Tomography to analyze every case. This a 3D imaging system that is specific for root canal treatment and with our specialized training, we can accurately diagnosis your issues, and treat your tooth in one painless appointment.
While traditional x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, 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-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to referring dentists via e-mail or CD-ROM. For more information contact Sirona Dental Systems, Inc.
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There is no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of safety and infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.
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When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact his or her office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. If a problem does occur after treatment, we are available at all times to respond.
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Click here to learn about the new advanced technology we use.
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You have more options today than ever before to treat your teeth. Understanding your choices and their impact on your future dental health and lifestyle is important. Read on to learn why nothing is as good as your natural tooth and get simple tips for saving your teeth!
Saving a natural tooth through endodontic treatment should always be the first choice for the best health and cosmetic results. There are many advantages to saving your natural tooth:
• efficient chewing
• normal biting force, so you can continue to eat your favorite foods
• maintains a natural appearance
• limits the need for more costly, ongoing dental work
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If you are given a choice between root canal treatment or tooth extraction, always choose root canal treatment. Dentistry has yet to produce a denture, bridge or implant that looks, feels and functions as well as a natural tooth.
If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is an option.
If your dentist says that an endodontic procedure is not an option, ask why, and request a referral to an endodontist. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in saving teeth, and have at least two years of advanced training in root canal procedures. They are experts at diagnosing and relieving tooth pain, and use advanced equipment to treat patients quickly and comfortably. Your dentist probably has partnerships with endodontists in your area already.
Want to learn more about root canals?
Go to our procedures page for more information on root canal treatments and the other tooth saving other procedures we perform for our patients.
MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION
Never choose extraction because you think it will be cheaper!
When a natural tooth is extracted, it must be replaced with an artificial tooth to prevent other teeth from shifting, and to prevent future dental problems. The cost of a denture, bridge or implant, plus the extraction, often is higher than the cost of an endodontic procedure that would save the tooth for years to come. Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment.
Never choose extraction because you think root canal treatment will be painful!
Modern techniques and effective anesthesia make root canal treatment painless at Advanced Endodontics. In fact, discomfort after the procedure is generally greater with a tooth extraction.
Never choose extraction because you think it will be quicker!
Our endodontic treatments generally require one visit lasting less than an hour. An extraction requires one visit, but the denture, bridge or implant will require several additional visits with your dentist.
Who will be performing your root canal?
Meet the Team
Imagine a root canal practice that caters to you from the first contact, making you feel comfortable, safe, informed and reassured. That is what we offer at Advanced Endodontics.
Ready to Experience Expert Endodontic Care in Louisville?
We hope these endodontic treatment FAQs have helped put your mind at ease. At Advanced Endodontics, our goal is simple: to provide the most comfortable, precise, and compassionate root canal care available in the Louisville area. Whether you've been referred by your dentist or you're seeking answers on your own, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Call us at (502) 412-3309 to speak with our team or schedule your appointment online.
Contact Us
Ready to schedule your appointment or have a question? Our staff is here to help!