A U S T I N E N D O D O N T I C S, L. L. P.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens when a root canal fails?
Sometimes, root canals can leak or the
roots can fracture. Root canal failure can
often be managed by retreatment,
apicoectomy (see below), or extraction.
Sometimes, root canals can leak or the
roots can fracture. Root canal failure can
often be managed by retreatment,
apicoectomy (see below), or extraction.
What is root canal therapy?
Answer: The act of mechanically removing an
inflamed or infected pulp within the canal space
and eventually sealing that space to prevent future
infection.
Answer: The act of mechanically removing an
inflamed or infected pulp within the canal space
and eventually sealing that space to prevent future
infection.
What is an endodontist?
Answer: A dentist with
post-graduate specialty training in
the treatment of pulpal diseases
and pathology. Your dentist may
have referred you to an
endodontist due to the complexity
of your particular case.
Answer: A dentist with
post-graduate specialty training in
the treatment of pulpal diseases
and pathology. Your dentist may
have referred you to an
endodontist due to the complexity
of your particular case.
Will I need a crown?
Answer: For most teeth with
root canals, a full-coverage
restoration such as a crown is
recommended. Your general
dentist will do this for you. If
you already have a crown, root
canal therapy may be done by
making a hole in the biting
surface. The crown may then be
salvaged by placing a
permanent filling in that access
hole.
Answer: For most teeth with
root canals, a full-coverage
restoration such as a crown is
recommended. Your general
dentist will do this for you. If
you already have a crown, root
canal therapy may be done by
making a hole in the biting
surface. The crown may then be
salvaged by placing a
permanent filling in that access
hole.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Answer: With adequate local anesthesia,
root canal therapy should be as
comfortable as having a filling placed.
Answer: With adequate local anesthesia,
root canal therapy should be as
comfortable as having a filling placed.
What is the alternative to root canal
therapy?
Answer: In most cases, extraction is an
alternative to root canal therapy.
Replacement of the tooth, however, may
involve a more expensive bridge or
implant. Partial dentures are another way
of replacing a gap.
therapy?
Answer: In most cases, extraction is an
alternative to root canal therapy.
Replacement of the tooth, however, may
involve a more expensive bridge or
implant. Partial dentures are another way
of replacing a gap.
How long will my root canal last?
Answer: Root canals have a reported 95% success rate. A root
canal is just like any other dental restoration and therefore has the
potential to leak someday, hopefully not for many years.
Answer: Root canals have a reported 95% success rate. A root
canal is just like any other dental restoration and therefore has the
potential to leak someday, hopefully not for many years.
| For more information click on the official website for the American Association of Endodontists below. |
What is an apicoectomy??
Answer: A minor surgical
procedure to treat pathology at the
end of the root. A small percentage
of root canals fail. An apicoectomy
is usually done when non-surgical
techniques do not seem to be
working.
Answer: A minor surgical
procedure to treat pathology at the
end of the root. A small percentage
of root canals fail. An apicoectomy
is usually done when non-surgical
techniques do not seem to be
working.
Copyright 2008
Frequently Asked Questions:
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |