“Endodontics” is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the diseases of the dental pulp. The word is Greek; “endo” means inside, and “odont” means tooth. The inside of the tooth has a space which contains nerves and blood vessels. When combined these are called the “dental pulp”. Although the pulp is important for the development of the tooth, it is not necessary for the tooth to function. Therefore, we can remove this tissue, and still maintain the tooth in the mouth.
 

“Root Canal Therapy” is a term sometimes used in place of “endodontics”. Root canal therapy refers to removing infected or damaged pulp tissue from the inside of the tooth, cleaning out the root canal space, and filling the space so that it is sealed off from saliva and bacteria. This allows any infections, which may have existed before the root canal therapy was done (i.e. an abscess; like in the picture to the left), to heal and for the existing, surrounding tissues to return to normal.
 

An endodontist is a dentist who received 2-3 years of advanced specialty training for diagnosis and treatment of more difficult cases. They perform routine, as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including retreatment of previously treated teeth that might be failing, and surgeries on the roots of teeth. 

Oral pain, such as toothaches, can often be difficult to pinpoint. Because of the vast network of nerves in the mouth and teeth, the pain of a damaged or diseased tooth is often felt in another tooth or area of the mouth, neck, head or ear. An endodontist is a specialist trained in determining where the pain is coming from, and in treating the pain.

Endodontists are also trained in treating traumatic injuries to the teeth. If a tooth gets knocked out, many times it is still possible to save it when treated appropriately. Endodontists are the specialists to see if this occurs. They are also trained to treat injuries involving fractured or broken teeth.
 

Lastly, at Innovative Endodontics, we believe it is also important that our patients understand what is going on. As an endodontist, Dr. Prescott is also an educator, and believes that a properly informed patient has the greatest chance of achieving the best results.
 

All treatment in our office begins with a diagnostic examination. Before an examination can take place there is some information that we need in order to provide you with a thorough and efficient consultation.

Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

1. Any referral forms and/or x-rays given to you by your dentist.

2. Any insurance cards or forms that will allow us to help you process any claims.

 3. A list of medications you are currently taking.

Please remember the following:

All children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Pain:
It is normal to experience tenderness and biting sensitivity for 2-3 days after your appointment (even if you didn’t have any discomfort before you came to your appointment); Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) is the best thing you can take for this pain. If you don’t have any problems taking Ibuprofen, you can take 2-3 tablets (200mg each; 400-600mg total) every 6 hours. (If taken regularly rather than when the pain is felt - it will help to prevent the pain from coming.) This is the best medicine for helping the swelling, as it is anti-inflammatory. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, please contact us for a different pain medication. 
 

Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 Cup of water) can help as well. This can be done 3-4 times daily.
 

It is NOT normal to experience swelling or severe pain; please contact us if this occurs, as it could mean an infection has started. Innovative Endodontics is available to help you. If no one answers the office number when you call, leave a message, and someone will call you back.

Eating:
After your root canal you may have a temporary restoration in the crown portion (the part that is in your mouth) of your tooth. This temporary is soft when first placed. Don’t eat for an hour after your treatment to give the temporary time to harden. After an hour you can eat on that side, but avoid anything hard that might fracture your tooth. The tooth is very susceptible to fracture until it is restored with a permanent crown (or filling) by your dentist.

Final Restoration:
Your tooth will have a temporary restoration after your root canal therapy. This needs to be replaced with a permanent filling (and a crown). We will send a copy of your radiographs to your dentist. Please call and make an appointment to see them as soon as possible. Studies have shown that if a permanent crown is not placed on the tooth, the tooth is 6 times more likely to fracture than teeth with crowns. 
 

What to do following surgery:
1. After your surgery, rest & avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
2. If necessary, take your prescribed pain medication for relief of discomfort. AVOID all aspirin products.
3. Apply an ice bag or cold compress to the outside of the face, over the operated area for 20 minute on and 20 minutes off for the remainder of the day. This will help keep swelling and discoloration to a minimum.
4. Eat only soft foods for the first 24 hours; avoid chewing in the operated area until the sutures are removed.
5. Do not brush the area for the first 24 hours; after 24 hours gently brush the teeth alone (avoiding the gums in the operated area). Do not floss the area until the sutures are removed.
6. After 24 hours, use warm water to gently rinse the infected area after meals.
7. Do NOT lift your lip or pull out your cheek until after the sutures are removed. It is possible to accidentally tear the sutures or tissues in the area. This can open the incision site and delay healing.

What to expect following surgery:
1. Some discomfort will usually be present. Severe pain rarely occurs. Use the prescribed pain medication for relief; if this does not help your pain, please contact us.
2. There will be some swelling, discomfort, and discoloration of the area present for 3-5 days following surgery. This is a normal part of the healing process.
3. Some seepage of blood in the area is normal during the first 24 hours; if this continues past the first 24 hours, contact us, as this is not normal.
4. There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the operated area. This is normal.
5. The operated tooth may feel loose for a short period of time. This is also normal, and will feel tighter with time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Innovative Endodontics. We are available to help you. If there is no answer on the office line, please leave a message and someone will call you back.