Endodontic FAQ

Your general dentist referred you to our office because the diagnosis or treatment of your condition requires the expertise of a specialist. Endodontists limit their practice to endodontic care and are trained to handle the most complex cases. This partnership between your general dentist and our office means you receive the highest level of care, while your general dentist remains your primary dental provider. Once your endodontic treatment is complete, we will send a full report to your dentist so that your care remains seamlessly coordinated.

An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses exclusively on diagnosing tooth pain and performing procedures relating to the interior of the tooth — primarily root canal treatment. After completing dental school, endodontists go on to complete an additional two to three years of advanced specialty training in an accredited endodontic residency program. Endodontics is one of the twelve specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Because endodontists focus solely on endodontic treatment, they perform these procedures far more frequently than general dentists, and they have access to specialized technologies that make treatment more precise and comfortable.

A Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics — often referred to as a "Board Certified Endodontist" — has achieved the highest level of professional recognition in the specialty. Earning this credential is entirely voluntary, and fewer than 20% of practicing endodontists ever achieve it. The process requires passing rigorous written examinations, submitting a detailed portfolio of clinical cases, and completing comprehensive oral examinations before a panel of examiners. Diplomate status demonstrates an exceptional and sustained level of clinical expertise, ongoing education, and commitment to the highest standards of care.

Endodontics is the dental specialty concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp — the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Your tooth is made up of three layers: the hard outer enamel, the dentin beneath it, and the innermost pulp. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, or injury, endodontic treatment is necessary to save the tooth. The most common procedure is root canal treatment, during which the diseased pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped, and the space is filled and sealed. Endodontic treatment relieves pain, eliminates infection, and allows you to keep your natural tooth.

Yes. Endodontic treatment typically requires at least one follow-up appointment approximately one year after your procedure. This allows us to confirm that the tooth has healed properly and that the surrounding bone has regenerated as expected. In addition, it is very important that you return to your general dentist within two to three weeks of completing endodontic treatment to have a permanent restoration — typically a crown — placed on the tooth. A tooth that has had a root canal is more susceptible to fracture without proper restoration, and delaying this step can jeopardize the outcome of treatment.

Digital radiography, which is the standard in our office, produces up to 80–90% less radiation than conventional film X-rays. The amount of radiation from a dental X-ray is extremely small — far less than what you are exposed to from everyday background radiation from the environment. Dental radiographs are an essential diagnostic tool and are critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Our digital images are stored securely and can be shared electronically with your general dentist in full compliance with HIPAA privacy regulations.

We strictly adhere to and exceed the infection control guidelines established by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Dental Association (ADA). All instruments used in your care are either single-use and disposed of after treatment, or thoroughly sterilized in a hospital-grade autoclave. Treatment surfaces are disinfected and covered with protective barriers between every patient. Our water delivery systems are also maintained to meet or exceed CDC standards for water quality. You can be confident that your safety is our highest priority at every step of your treatment.