General Information

An Endodontist is a dentist who has undergone a minimum of 2 years of additional postgraduate training. This specialized training allows an Endodontist to:

1. Deal with diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures
2. Diagnose facial pain and related problems.

Your general dentist sometimes refers patients for consultation when the diagnosis is complicated or when treatment is more difficult than normal.

Aside from providing treatment, Drs. Hoch's role is also that of educator. It is important that patients understand why they require treatment, what the treatment involves and what they can do to ensure the best possible outcome. Drs. Barry and Sue Hoch believe that a properly informed patient has the best chance of achieving the optimal result.

We schedule sufficient time to allow for thorough examination, discussion of clinical and radiographic findings, and communication of recommended procedures and their risks, benefits, options available and projected likelihood for success.

Endodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association dealing with the treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and its supporting tissues.

When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown.  the rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is the root.  Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or "root canal" contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves, all of which are responsible for forming the surrounding dentin and enamel during tooth development.

Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp.  Other causes for involvement of the pulp include deep cavities/fillings or traumatic injuries to a tooth.  When this happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation.  After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.

Although general dentists can perform endodontic treatment, patients are often referred to an Endodontist when the case is complicated or more difficult than usual.

Example: Mandibular (Lower) Molar

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The most common reasons for inflammation or infection are deep cavities (caries), repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips. Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discoloration of the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

Indications for treatment include prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling or tenderness of the tooth or adjacent gums. Endodontic treatment may be indicated even when there are no clinical signs and symptoms.  Please see your general dentist if you suspect you may need Endodontic therapy for a diagnosis and/or referral to our office.

 

Endodontic treatment helps save your tooth by removing the diseased portion of the tooth (the pulp).  Endodontic treatment also allows for removing any discomfort in addition to preventing further infection.  The Endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the canal system and then seals the prepared space. If root canal therapy is indicated, a local anesthetic is given and rubber dam is placed to isolate your tooth.  An opening is painlessly made through the top of the tooth, the interior of which is then cleaned and disinfected.  Once endodontic treatment has been completed, the root canal system has been permanently sealed.  However, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration.  A permanent restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and recontamination.  A complete report of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist and we will advise you of when to return to your dentist for possibler further restorative care for the top portion of the tooth.

Most treatment is now performed in a single appointment ranging from 30-90 minutes (depending on the number of canals). 

Included in your treatment may be a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing.  This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for the first recheck visit. 

 

Toothache pain is the main reason for patients seeking endodontic treatment. Fortunately, modern anesthetics can make the procedure painless in most cases. Seeking treatment early makes the procedure more comfortable, so don't wait. When caught early, treatment should feel no different than having a regular filling.

Most patients return to their normal daily routine after treatment.  Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth.  This tenderness is normal and no cause for alarm. You may continue with your regular dental hygiene regimen.

Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. Drs. Hoch will advise you of the most appropriate medication or medication regimen during your dental visit.  Should you continue to experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with recommended medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office.  The office telephone is answered day and night, as well as over the weekend.