5 Myths About Root Canal Treatments

by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Aug 1, 2024 | Dental Implants, Root Canal

More than 25 million root canal treatments are performed each year in the United States – that’s an average of more than 68,000 every day. Yet myths persist about root canal treatments, decades after they have become a common dental treatment. Nearly 15 percent of Americans put off needed dental care due to fears and anxiety, so it’s important to address misconceptions about root canals. Here are the facts to set to rest five of the most harmful and persistent myths about root canal treatments.

Busting 5 Common Myths About Root Canal Treatments

Root canal treatments hurt. Today’s root canal treatments are delivered using modern local anesthetics or light to moderate sedation, and employing cutting-edge technology such as GentleWave to ensure a thorough and complete cleaning of the infected tooth roots. On top of that, endodontists are experts in pain management, so they work carefully to minimize any discomfort during or after the procedure.
Having a root canal will make me sick. This myth, based on poorly conducted, long-debunked research done nearly a century ago, is particularly troublesome. The infection in your failing natural tooth will not “travel” anywhere else in your body. Nor will the root canal treatment itself give you cancer. In fact, recent research indicates that patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a greatly reduced risk of head and neck cancers.
It’s better to extract a tooth than have a root canal. Tooth extraction is rarely an endodontist’s top recommendation. Missing teeth cause lifelong oral health challenges, and artificial replacements such as implants or bridges require more time and preparation to provide, as well as more investment, compared to a root canal.
I’m not experiencing (X symptom), so I don’t need a root canal. While symptoms such as pain with a quick onset, tenderness to pressure on the tooth, or swelling of the surrounding tissues are common indications you need root canal treatment, absence of these symptoms does not rule out the need for one. Endodontists look for clinical signs that may not be obvious to you, but which give a more accurate picture of what’s going on inside your tooth.
After my root canal treatment, I don’t need to do anything else. Natural teeth saved by a root canal can last a lifetime with proper care. A dental crown placed on top of a tooth after receiving a root canal treatment is a critical part of proper care. The crown provides stability and enhanced protection from tooth decay or infections due to a cracked or broken tooth. This step is not optional. In fact, your endodontist may follow up to ensure you’ve had a crown placed within a few weeks of your root canal.

Get The Facts About Your Situation – Make An Appointment Today

Learn more about the advantages of the root canal treatment process at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. Our staff is happy to conduct a detailed examination and review what you need to do to save your natural tooth. Call 602-242-4745 today to schedule an appointment.

What Is Endodontic Retreatment?

by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jul 1, 2024 | Endodontics, Endodontist

Diamonds last forever. Dental treatments may not. That does not mean the treatments are not valuable. Potentially complex treatments, such as root canals, can be effective even if they need to be done a second time.

Endodontic retreatment offers another chance to natural teeth previously saved with a root canal. If a tooth treated with a root canal becomes sore or painful, even months or years later, see your endodontist immediately. They can determine if the tooth is a candidate for retreatment.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about endodontic retreatments, courtesy of practitioners at Phoenix Endodontic Group.

Answers To Common Endodontic Retreatment Questions

Why does my tooth need endodontic retreatment?

Reasons that your original root canal might fail include complex or very small root canals missed during the first procedure, or a delay in getting a crown restoration after your root canal. It’s also possible your tooth experienced new decay or damage, allowing infection to take hold.

Why perform the root canal procedure again if it has failed?

Here is a parallel: If you broke your arm a second time, you would still want the doctor to set the bone and put it in a cast. Endodontic retreatment, a non-surgical option, is one of three choices you may have; the other two are endodontic surgery (apicoectomy) and extraction.

What happens during endodontic retreatment?

Endodontic retreatment is similar to the original root canal procedure. The endodontist will remove your crown and disassemble any materials added to improve your tooth’s structure, such as a post and core. They will remove the current sealant material, carefully examine your tooth’s roots to locate the problem, and clean the canals with disinfecting fluids. Then, the canals will be resealed and a temporary filling placed. You will again need to have a crown placed to finalize the process.

Are endodontic retreatments usually successful?

Endodontic retreatments have a success rate approaching 90 percent. If your endodontist has concerns a retreatment may not be right for you, they may suggest an apicoectomy. In that surgical procedure, a small incision is made near the tooth root to address the infected tooth canals there.

“When we do an endodontic retreatment, we examine our patient’s tooth carefully to ensure the success of the procedure,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “We’re happy to answer all your questions, so you’ll feel at ease during your retreatment.”

3 Things That Can Lead to a Root Canal

by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Jun 3, 2024 | Cracked Teeth, Root Canal

Everyone’s teeth are unique, as is the story of what brings each patient into the endodontist’s office. Some patients have struggled with dental health their entire lives; others show up needing help to save a tooth when they never had a cavity.

While the story of your teeth is personal, there are several common reasons you might need root canal therapy. The good news is that you can take proactive steps if you are concerned and want to protect and preserve your dental health. Paying attention to these factors may help minimize damage to your oral health and speed you on the road to recovery after root canal therapy.

Top 3 Situations That Can Lead To Root Canal Therapy

Severe tooth decay extending deep into the tooth. An untreated cavity or tooth weakened by decay can go from bad to worse quickly if decay reaches nerve pulp in your tooth. Bacteria associated with tooth decay can cause an abscess, requiring emergency treatment to stabilize. You will need root canal therapy to clean the tooth’s roots and save the natural tooth. If you think you may have a cavity, make an appointment with your dentist.
A cracked or chipped tooth. Bacteria that infect tooth pulp can also enter through an injury to the tooth. Teeth may be damaged in car accidents, sports, or falls. Always get prompt medical attention for chipped or broken teeth. You may eventually need root canal therapy to ensure an injured tooth will not suffer additional structural problems.
A damaged or failing dental restoration. It doesn’t seem fair that a restoration meant to protect your tooth might contribute to the need for root canal therapy. Crowns are designed to be durable, but some may be more susceptible to damage or failure than others. To avoid this fate, practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to keep tabs on how your crown or other restoration is impacting your mouth as a whole.

“There’s no shame in needing root canal therapy – many people encounter common situations best treated through root canals to preserve natural teeth,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices at the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Communicating clearly with your dentist and endodontist about what you are experiencing can lead to more accurate diagnoses and more successful treatment.”

How A Cavity Can Turn Into A Root Canal

by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | May 2, 2024 | Root Canal, Top

Having a cavity may sound like no big deal; after all, 90 percent of American adults over the age of 20 have had at least one. An untreated cavity, though, invites serious tooth damage. If a cavity is allowed to spread unchecked, your tooth may require a root canal treatment.

To better understand how a cavity can progress into a damaged tooth that needs a root canal, the endodontists at Phoenix Endodontic Group provided answers to some popular questions on the topic.

Answers To Common Questions About Tooth Decay And Root Canals

What is tooth decay?

Decay happens when plaque, a thin bacterial film, forms on the surface of the teeth and begins to attack the enamel, which makes up the tooth’s hard, protective outer layer.

How can tooth decay lead to a root canal?

After penetrating tooth enamel, bacteria erode dentin and then infect pulp. The tooth pulp layer contains nerves and blood vessels. At this point you may experience an abscess – a pocket of pus – in the roots of your tooth. When the pulp layer is damaged through infection, a root canal may become necessary to save your tooth.

How do I know if my cavity is bad enough to need a root canal?

You should contact your dentist or endodontist if you experience a severe toothache that gets worse when chewing or biting with the tooth, a darkening of the infected tooth, a boil or pimple on the gum surrounding the tooth, or pain from hot or cold lasting after the source has been removed.

How does a root canal work to repair the damage caused by tooth decay?

Your endodontist will use a set of special files or a technology like the GentleWave Procedure to clean out the infection and shape your tooth roots. Then, they will use a biocompatible material like gutta-percha to fill the roots and replace the tooth pulp. As a last step, to prevent additional infections from entering the tooth, your general dentist will place a crown over the tooth receiving the root canal.

How can I learn more about what my root canal treatment will be like?

Call us. At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we’re always happy to discuss the specifics of your case and answer your questions about what to expect before, during and after your root canal. Our commitment is to deliver your care in a welcoming, comfortable, stress-free environment.

To schedule an appointment with the Phoenix Endodontic Group, call (602) 242-4745.

What Is An IV Sedation Root Canal?

by Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen | Apr 8, 2024 | Blog, Root Canal

Are you one of those people who feels a little anxious about having to undergo a root canal procedure? We can help. Our practice offers IV sedation as a way to manage the anxiety that comes with having to have a root canal. IV Sedation helps issues with discomfort, or for patients with dental anxiety. It is also useful when we work on numerous teeth or complex tooth roots.

Using IV sedation for root canals allows patients to receive care with relative ease and permits our practitioners to provide care in a relaxed, focused environment.

Here we answer a few common questions relating to IV sedation dentistry.

How is IV sedation different from local anesthesia?

During most root canals, patients receive local anesthesia injected in the gum near the tooth to be worked upon. The patient cannot feel discomfort around this area, but is fully conscious. IV sedation is a method of delivering anesthesia intravenously and relaxes the entire body.

Who delivers IV sedation at your practice during root canals?

Phoenix Endodontic Group contracts with a licensed dental anesthesiologist to provide and monitor IV sedation services.

What might I experience during my IV sedation root canal?

Sedation is delivered to the degree most appropriate for your situation. Most patients experience a light to moderate level of sedation during root canal therapy.

Light IV sedation makes you feel relaxed. Moderate IV sedation may make you feel drowsy; later on, you may not clearly remember your procedure. Heavy IV sedation does not make you unconscious, but most patients fall asleep and remember nothing about their experience.

How do I prepare for an IV sedation root canal?

If you’re having a root canal with IV sedation, our staff will discuss your treatment plan during your initial consultation. Be sure to tell us about medications you are taking (including over-the-counter) or systemic health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Are there any after-care instructions specifically for root canal patients who receive IV sedation?

After the procedure, you will need a trusted driver to take you home. You may resume most normal activities 24 hours after your IV sedation root canal.

In addition to its use during root canal therapy, our practice also utilizes IV sedation during the placement of dental implants and in conjunction with emergency dental services for broken or knocked-out teeth.

“At Phoenix Endodontic Group, we use all tools at our disposal to provide quality dental care in a calming, healing environment,” says endodontist Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen. “We’re happy to discuss our protocols for IV sedation dentistry and whether it is the right choice for your root canal.”

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