Frequently Asked Questions
Will the treatment be painful?
We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of anesthetic to gently numb a small area of your mouth. Endodontists also use stronger medications to provide additional comfort for their patients. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 3-4 hours.
How Does the Dental Pulp Become Damaged or Infected?
The reason is simple - bacterial contamination. The harder question is how did the bacteria contamination occur. Certain types of bacteria have a normal presence in the mouth. Bacteria can usually enter the pulp through decay, a fracture in the tooth, a broken down old filling, gaps between your tooth and an existing crown or periodontally involved teeth. The time frame for this to occur can vary significantly. Sometimes it is very fast and usually painful, but also, it could be a very slow process in which the patient is unaware and no pain is manifested until it is significantly advanced.
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, original radiographs and a record of your treatment will be sent to your dentist. Wichita Falls Endodontics has seamless software management that allows your dentist to be involved each step of the way. You may need to contact the dentist for the permanent restoration (filling or crown). Your dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times- before and after your treatment.
Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?
One area in which Wichita Falls Endodontics sets ourselves apart from other offices is the follow up with the patient. Wichita Falls Endodontics provides a free one year follow up appointment to make sure everything is healing correctly. This appointment takes around 15 minutes and involves taking a few additional x-rays. Our office will send a reminder notice to you when you are due for a follow up appointment.
Do you accept referrals?
Yes, we welcome referrals from other dentists and specialists. A referral is not required to schedule an appointment. We also welcome referrals from previous patients and find the biggest compliment is when our patients trust us with their family members, neighbors, and friends.
Who is an Endodontist?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving diagnosis and treatment of the pulp and surrounding tissues of the tooth. An endodontist is a dental specialist with additional training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal structures of teeth. Endodontists limit their practice specifically to procedures involving the pulp of the tooth. To become specialists, they complete dental school and an additional two or three years of advanced training specifically in endodontics. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including retreatment of previous root canals that have recurring disease, as well as endodontic microsurgery. Endodontists are well trained in the diagnosis of tooth related pain.
I'm worried about x-rays. Should I be?
No. While x-rays will be necessary during your treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system called digital radiography. This type of technology produces instant digital images to be viewed by the doctor and produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than other dental x-ray units.
What about infection control?
We adhere to the most rigorous standards of all infection control braches within dentistry, including OSHA standards, the Centers for Disease Control and the requirements set forth by the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization to eliminate risk of infection.
What new technologies are being used?
Operating Microscopes - We utilize special operating microscopes that are designed specifically for endodontists. These microscopes are similar to the scopes used by other doctors during microsurgeries, like ENT and neurosurgeons. Magnification and fiber LED illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. A tiny DSL camera on the operating microscope can record images and be displayed instantly for the patient’s viewing. This helps in educating the patient and better explaining treatment options. Microscopes are essential for providing state of the art endodontics.
Digital Radiograph - These small light weight sensors are placed into the patients mouth for the use of taking x-rays. These x-rays provide more detail than conventional radiographs and are displayed instantly on the monitor for the doctors viewing. The image can be further enhanced to improve its diagnostic quality. This process reduces the amount of radiation exposure by as much as 90%. No x-ray film is ever used. The image can be emailed to your referring dentist or to other specialists for immediate consultation.
Electric Apex Locators - In certain cases, electric apex locators can minimize the number of x-rays needed to complete root canal treatment. The apex locator is just one more instrument that is used to provide accurate and reliable endodontic treatment.
Ultrasonics - Ultrasonic instruments can be valuable to remove or loosen obstructions that would otherwise prevent reliable endodontic therapy. Ultrasonic vibrations are also used for solution agitation of specific irrigation disinfectants resulting in cleaner root canals.
