Welcome to Friday & Saturday Endodontics!
You're probably on this web site because your dentist or endodontist has said you need endodontic treatment, also known as a "root canal treatment". If so, you're not alone. More than 14 million teeth receive endodontic treatment each year.
By choosing endodontic treatment, you are choosing to keep your natural teeth as a healthy foundation for chewing and biting for years to come. Please read through our web site for more detailed information about endodontics and what to expect.
Please contact us if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment, our staff are well trained & dedicated to providing you and your family with excellent care.
To see a map of our location please look on "Our Location" page.
Thanks for stopping by!
Endodontic treatment, also known as "root canal treatment" is necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or decay can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, a blow to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks.
If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.
What are the alternatives to endodontic treatment?
When the pulp of the tooth is damaged, the only alternative to endodontic treatment is extraction of the tooth. To restore chewing function and to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, the extracted tooth must be replaced with an implant or bridge. This requires surgery or dental procedures on adjacent teeth and can be far more costly and time consuming than endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth.
I am often asked - Will I feel pain?
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over the counter prescription medications. Follow your endodontist's instructions carefully.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure, or pain that lasts more than a few days, call us.
- Structure of a tooth
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
