FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Will the treatment be painful?
We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of anesthesia to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
What is an Endodontist and what do they do?
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy -- procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, called the pulp. The word "endodontic" comes from "endo" meaning inside and "odont" meaning tooth. Like many medical terms, it's Greek. All dentists are trained in diagnosis and endodontic therapy, however, some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat. That's why you may have been referred to an endodontic specialist.
In addition to dental school, endodontists receive two or more years of advanced education in this kind of treatment. They study root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth, for diagnosis and treatment of more difficult cases. For this reason, many dentists choose to refer their patients to endodontists.
After my root canal therapy do I need to return to my dentist?
After your root canal therapy is completely finished, most often in 1-2 appointments, you need to return to your dentist for a permanent filling and/or crown. If you tooth already has a crown, and there is no decay and fits the tooth well, the crown can be saved. If there is significant decay or a poor fit, you may be advised to have your dentist replace the crown.
Will medication be necessary after the treatment is completed?
Depending on the case, anti inflammatory such as Motrin can be used as prescribed by Dr. Bergman. In some instances, if there is swelling, an antibiotic may also be prescribed.
Will I need to return to your office for Additional Visits?
Once endodontic therapy is completed your tooth should be examined periodically, usually every 6 - 12 months. This allows us to make sure the tooth has healed or is healing properly. You will be sent a notice in the mail when we feel it is appropriate to reevaluate the area. Since an abscess may take 2 years to heal, our office will reevaluate the tooth for at least 2 years.
Can I continue with my normal activities after treatment?
Root canal therapy is similar to having a filling or crown done, you will leave the office with a numb lip or tongue but you may resume normal activity. Dr. Bergman advises that you do not eat or drink any hot liquids until your numbness is gone so you do not bite your lip or tongue.
We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of anesthesia to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
What is an Endodontist and what do they do?
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy -- procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, called the pulp. The word "endodontic" comes from "endo" meaning inside and "odont" meaning tooth. Like many medical terms, it's Greek. All dentists are trained in diagnosis and endodontic therapy, however, some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat. That's why you may have been referred to an endodontic specialist.
In addition to dental school, endodontists receive two or more years of advanced education in this kind of treatment. They study root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth, for diagnosis and treatment of more difficult cases. For this reason, many dentists choose to refer their patients to endodontists.
After my root canal therapy do I need to return to my dentist?
After your root canal therapy is completely finished, most often in 1-2 appointments, you need to return to your dentist for a permanent filling and/or crown. If you tooth already has a crown, and there is no decay and fits the tooth well, the crown can be saved. If there is significant decay or a poor fit, you may be advised to have your dentist replace the crown.
Will medication be necessary after the treatment is completed?
Depending on the case, anti inflammatory such as Motrin can be used as prescribed by Dr. Bergman. In some instances, if there is swelling, an antibiotic may also be prescribed.
Will I need to return to your office for Additional Visits?
Once endodontic therapy is completed your tooth should be examined periodically, usually every 6 - 12 months. This allows us to make sure the tooth has healed or is healing properly. You will be sent a notice in the mail when we feel it is appropriate to reevaluate the area. Since an abscess may take 2 years to heal, our office will reevaluate the tooth for at least 2 years.
Can I continue with my normal activities after treatment?
Root canal therapy is similar to having a filling or crown done, you will leave the office with a numb lip or tongue but you may resume normal activity. Dr. Bergman advises that you do not eat or drink any hot liquids until your numbness is gone so you do not bite your lip or tongue.
