Frequently Asked Questions

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. 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 called 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. 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. When that 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.

I'm worried about x-rays. Should I be?

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your Endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, which produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to co-therapists via e-mail or diskette. For more information contact Schick Technologies, Inc.

What about infection?

Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.

What happens after treatment?

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact his/her office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office if needed. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for Endodontic patients to experience complications after routine Endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.

What new technologies are being used?

Operating Microscopes:

In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding Dr. Kaldestad to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a video camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor's findings.

Apex Locators:

This allows Dr. Kaldestad to electronically measure the length of each of the canals. This instrument, along with x-rays allows an extremely high level of accuracy in cleaning and shaping the canals and thus a higher rate of success with Endodontic treatment.

Ultrasonics:

This instrument is mainly used while working through the microscope. With its extremely fine cutting tips which come in multiple angles, it allows Dr. Kaldestad to remove minimal tooth structure in a very precise location.

Rotary Files:

Until around 1996, the files used for Root Canal Treatment had not really changed all that much. The vast majority of Root Canals were performed using Stainless Steel Hand files. Now most are performed with Nickel Titanium Rotary Files. They are called Rotary Files because they are used in a slow speed electric hand piece (usually used at 300 rpm’s). There are multiple benefits of these files as compared to the old Stainless Steel Hand files, but the main benefit is that they allow Dr. Kaldestad to clean and shape the root canal system in a more effective manner. Dr. Kaldestad has spent much time researching Rotary Files and actually has a U.S. Patent involving Rotary Files.