I need endo. What is that?
Few things can raise a person's anxiety level faster than being told they need endodontic therapy, or what most people call "root canal". This is mostly due to years of exaggerated tales, jokes by comedians, and just plain misunderstanding of what it actually is. Typically the scenario goes something like this: Mrs. Doe develops a mild toothache, but ignores it hoping it will go away. The pain increases for several weeks, but by now she's afraid of what treatment might be needed. As the infection steadily worsens, so does the pain, and after suffering many sleepless nights and numerous home remedies to no avail, she calls her dentist. At the appointment the tooth is numbed to stop the pain, the infected tissue removed from the tooth, and antibiotics prescribed to eliminate the infection that has likely spread to the surrounding jawbone. Mrs. Doe leaves the office, usually with only some soreness due to weeks of inflammation (not the dental visit), getting a good night sleep for the first time in weeks. But then a strange thing happens. As months go by her memory fades leaving her with only the recollection of the agonizing pain she suffered prior to treatment. "I had this incredible tooth ache", she tells her neighbor years later. "I had to have a root canal. It was terrible." She has completely forgotten that it was the root canal that got her out of pain. Only the strongest memory remains the pain she suffered prior to seeing the dentist!
What is a root canal, or endodontic therapy? Basically, it involves four major steps: 1) removal of the infected tissue from inside of the tooth 2) enlargement of the small spaces where infection hides 3) disinfection of those spaces with strong germ killing agents 4) and sealing those spaces closed with a rubber caulk-like material. Root canal therapy aims to eliminate and seal out infection from inside of the tooth. It does not repair or replace portions of the tooth destroyed by decay or trauma. This is done with whatever restoration is placed on the tooth after the infection is eliminated.
Endodontic therapy has a success rate approaching 90%, higher than most dental or medical procedures. Root canal therapy has enabled people to keep their own teeth, letting them smile and eat with confidence and comfort. Unfortunately, years of misunderstanding have left many fearful of a common procedure that enables the dentist to relieve patient's pain. If you have any questions concerning this treatment please don't be afraid to ask Dr. Oliver.
