Who is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist with special training in diagnosing and treating problems associated with the inside of the tooth. To become an endodontist, dentists such as Dr. Gray completed dental school, plus an additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics, which is one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Dr. Gray performs routine, as well as very complex endodontic procedures, including re-treatment of previous root canals that have not healed completely.

What is endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment, commonly known as root canal, is one of the most common dental procedures - nearly 16 million root canals are performed nationally each year. "Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is Greek for "tooth."

Endodontic therapy treats inside of the tooth. To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue; also it creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.

From the crown of the tooth, the pulp extends to the tip of the roots where it connects to surrounding tissues. Pulp is important during a tooth's growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature, it can survive without pulp because the tooth continues to receive nourishment from the surrounding tissues.

Why would I need root canal treatment?

Most patients come to our practice when they have a severe toothache due to inflamed or infected tooth pulp. The inflammation or infection can be caused by a variety of factors such as deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack, or a chip. In addition, pulp can be damaged by a tooth injury 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.

What are the symptoms of infection?

Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, tooth discoloration, swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes, as well as nearby bone and gingival tissues. Sometimes no symptoms exist.

If you experience any of these symptoms, or if Dr. Gray finds a tooth with damaged pulp during her exam, she may recommend non-surgical root canal treatment to replace damaged tissue within the tooth.

How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?

First, Dr. Gray removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the canal, a channel inside the root, and then fills and seals the space. Afterward, the general dentist places a crown or a permanent restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?

Because the latest techniques are used, most of our patients report that they are comfortable during their endodontic procedure.  

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if you experienced pain or infection before the procedure. Relieve the discomfort with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Your tooth may also feel slightly different from the other teeth for a short period after your endodontic treatment. If you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, please contact us.

If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, please contact us. Our office is located in Allen, and we serve patients from Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and surrounding areas. Dr. Robertson and Dr. Gray look forward to meeting you and helping you optimize your oral health for a lifetime of smiles.