Information for New Patients

Root canal therapy aims to preserve and save your natural teeth by addressing inflammation or infection within the tooth. Contrary to common misconceptions, the procedure doesn’t involve removing the roots; rather, it involves removing inflamed or infected pulp from the tooth’s interior, and then sealing the cleaned space to maintain your natural dentition. Untreated, this condition can escalate to more severe issues such as infection, pain, swelling, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss. While extraction is an alternative, preserving your natural teeth is typically advised for enhanced oral health and function.

Root canal symptoms can include lingering temperature sensitivity, spontaneous or episodic toothache that may radiate, swelling, fistula, or discomfort while chewing. Please contact us if you experience any of these symptoms. However, pulpal disease can also remain asymptomatic for extended periods, possibly even years. Nevertheless, without proper treatment, continued bone loss around the infected tooth can occur. If your general dentist has recommended an endodontic consultation, we strongly advise scheduling an appointment to explore available treatment options and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. We will utilize radiographic exams (CBCT scan and digital X-ray) and clinical exams to accurately diagnose and identify the cause of the problem.

Traditional endodontic approaches, relying on 2-D imaging for a 3-D dental landscape, have presented challenges in both diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The integration of cone beam imaging overcomes these hurdles, offering a comprehensive view of the third dimension and invaluable insights. This state-of-the-art technology is instrumental in identifying causes of treatment failures, such as overlooked canals and perforations, with enhanced clarity. The CBCT scan also excels in revealing previously undetectable areas of resorption, enabling informed decisions that save time and resources. In select cases, it assists in determining the suitability of endodontic treatment or exploring alternative approaches.

The amount of radiation you’ll receive is significantly lower than that of a medical CT scan, equivalent to just a few days of normal background environmental radiation. Our precise radiation control ensures the smallest possible dose is used for your safety.

The procedure time varies from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, contingent on the type and complexity of the treatment. While most endodontic procedures are completed in a single visit, certain cases may necessitate multiple visits to ensure treatment success, particularly when utilizing intracanal medicament such as calcium hydroxide to combat resistant bacteria within the tooth.

We utilize specialized and gentle numbing techniques to ensure painless anesthetic injections while achieving effective anesthesia. Your comfort and assurance of a pain-free experience are our utmost priorities throughout the procedure. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by the absence of pain during treatment. The effects of the anesthesia typically last 2-3 hours after the procedure, offering extended relief.

Most times, post-operative discomfort will be minimal to none and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Advil (Motrin). Normal daily activities can be resumed right after receiving our treatments. Sometimes, you could have chewing discomfort on the treated tooth especially if the tooth had prior infection or severe inflammation, which usually resolves after several days. Dr. Yoo will be available to prescribe medications but it is extremely rare for patients to require prescription medication after the treatment.

In specific situations, a trauma, significant decay, or a compromised filling/crown can result in a new infection within your tooth. Moreover, there may be an overlooked canal anatomy that has not been fully addressed during your previous root canal treatment due to difficulty, which necessitates additional treatment. This infection may occasionally induce pain, but it can also remain asymptomatic for extended periods, even years. Be assured, the majority of these teeth can be preserved through either root canal retreatment or microsurgery (apicoectomy).

While taking antibiotics can temporarily alleviate swelling and pain, it is not a definitive solution to address the infection. This means that the infection will persist and continue to worsen if left untreated, even if there is no immediate pain. Definitive treatment options, such as root canal therapy, surgery, or extraction, will be necessary to resolve the infection. Failure to treat the infection can result in further complications, including increased pain, swelling, tooth loss, and compromised oral health.

We understand that the term ‘root canal’ may be intimidating for many patients, and it’s normal to feel nervous about seeking treatment. However, we want to reassure you that we’re here to support you throughout the entire process. While most root canals can be completed without additional sedation, we do offer options such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation for patients who experience extreme anxiety. In rare cases, IV sedation administered by our partner anesthesiologist can also be arranged. Together, we’ll collaborate to save your tooth and restore your oral health and function.