• Are there any instructions regarding the appointment for endodontic treatment?

  Endodontic treatment is performed under local anesthesia. There are no restrictions on driving, returning to work, or exercising after the procedure. We are available at any time to assist with any issues that may arise following the treatment. Continue taking medications for hypertension, diabetes, thyroid conditions, or any other health issues as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any questions, please contact us prior to the appointment.

  Please have a full breakfast or lunch, depending on the timing of your appointment.

  If your doctor or dentist has recommended prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures (chemoprophylaxis) due to valvular disease or any other condition, please ensure you take the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If you have any questions, contact us before your visit.

  Is there anything I need to watch out for after an endodontic treatment appointment?

  Your tooth and the surrounding gums may be sensitive for a few days due to the treatment and the previous condition of the tooth. This sensitivity is normal and should not be a cause for concern. If needed, you can take the prescribed painkillers (Ibuprofen, e.g., ALGOFREN, or Paracetamol, e.g., DEBON) to help manage any discomfort. Avoid chewing on that side until your tooth is fully restored by your dentist. You may continue with your regular oral hygiene routine.

• Note: Alcohol consumption is not recommended while you are taking the prescribed medication. If you experience pain that is not relieved by painkillers or if you notice any swelling, please contact us immediately.

  When the endodontic treatment is complete, is the tooth fully restored?

  At the end of the endodontic treatment, the root canal system is permanently sealed. However, the tooth crown is temporarily sealed with a provisional material. A permanent restoration should be done as soon as possible, ideally within the next two weeks, by your dentist. This final restoration will protect the tooth from decay and fracture. Please contact your dentist promptly to schedule an appointment. A complete report of the treatment, along with your X-rays, will be sent to your dentist.

• After 6 months of treatment, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess the healing process. This session is quick and is offered at no charge.

  The doctor advised me to monitor the tooth that underwent endodontic treatment. Does this mean something went wrong?

  In many cases, it is necessary to monitor the endodontically treated tooth clinically and radiographically for a period of at least 1 year or longer, particularly if there is bone resorption below the root due to inflammation. Bone regeneration can take time, so regular check-ups are important during this healing phase.

  Should I be concerned about the X-rays we took?

  No, there's no need to worry. X-rays are essential during endodontic treatment for accurate diagnosis and to track the progress of the treatment. The modern digital radiography systems we use, along with phosphor plates, significantly reduce the exposure to ionizing radiation compared to traditional X-rays. These X-rays are stored in your file and sent to your dentist to ensure coordinated care.

"For a flight from Paris to Tokyo, none of us would worry about the small amount of radiation we're exposed to. So why worry about a simple digital X-ray, which has an even lower dose of radiation?"

• Is it normal for the tooth to experience pain after endodontic treatment?

  It is common for the tooth to feel some sensitivity for a few days following endodontic treatment, especially when it comes into contact with the opposing teeth. If this occurs, please follow these instructions:

  1. Rinse with lukewarm to warm chamomile infusions for 3-4 days. This should take about 10 minutes, and you can repeat it every 1-2 hours.

  2. Take the prescribed painkillers as needed for 3-4 days to help manage discomfort.

  3. Avoid chewing on that side until the sensitivity is fully resolved.

• Is endodontic treatment necessary before placing prosthetic work?

  Endodontic treatment is essential for teeth with pulp inflammation or necrosis. For teeth with a healthy pulp, endodontic treatment is typically not required. However, when preparing teeth for prosthetic work (e.g., crowns), a significant amount of enamel and dentin is often removed. This can expose the pulp to bacteria, potentially leading to inflammation or infection later on. For this reason, intentional endodontic treatment may be performed on certain teeth before placing the prosthetic work, to prevent future complications.

What is Endodontics? 

Endodontics is the specialty of Dentistry that deals with the maintenance and treatment of pulp and periodontal tissues. Our teeth, in addition to the part visible in the mouth (crown), also have the part covered by the gums (root). Although the outer surface of the root is surrounded by hard tissues, inside there is a canal, the "root canal", which contains the pulp, i.e. vessels and nerves. Microbs can enter the pulp as a result of caries, fracture or other conditions that can damage the pulp. When this happens, the Endodontist removes the infected part of the pulp to save the tooth and prevent the inflammation from spreading. After successful endodontic treatment the tooth continues to work as before. 

What is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist who, after completing their dental studies, has undergone a recognized two- or three-year postgraduate specialization program in Endodontics. This advanced training equips them to diagnose and treat dental pain, perform endodontic treatments (both conservative and surgical), and manage dental trauma.

What is the success rate of endodontic treatment?

The success rate of endodontic treatment is very high, reaching approximately 90-95% in cases where the inflammation is in its early stages. However, in more complex situations, this percentage may be slightly lower, around 75-80%.

How long can a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment last?

A tooth that has received endodontic treatment can last as long as any other tooth. The procedure removes bacteria and their toxic byproducts from inside the tooth, allowing for the healing of inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Additionally, proper restoration of the tooth crown ensures the restoration of its chewing function and long-term durability.

• Is endodontic treatment safe?

  Millions of endodontic treatments are performed safely, painlessly, and successfully every year. Recently, however, some misinformation has circulated on the internet, claiming that endodontic treatment can lead to diseases like cancer or Alzheimer's. These claims are false and stem from research conducted over 100 years ago, which has since been debunked due to its flawed design. There are no credible studies in modern medicine linking endodontic treatment to diseases in distant parts of the body.

  In fact, endodontic treatment works by removing harmful bacteria from the tooth, helping to resolve the inflammation they cause. It is a safe and effective procedure that helps preserve our natural teeth.

Watch the related video from the American Association of Endodontists here.

• What happens after treatment?

  Once your endodontic treatment is complete, a detailed report of the procedure will be sent to your dentist. You should contact them in the next few days to arrange for the restoration of your tooth. Your dentist will determine the most suitable type of restoration to ensure the tooth is properly protected.

• What is an optical microscope?

  The use of an optical microscope during both endodontic treatment and microsurgery allows for more precise and detailed results. The microscope enables the dentist to examine the tooth at high magnification and depth, ensuring a thorough cleaning and secure sealing of the root canals. It also helps identify anatomical features, such as extra root canals or cracks, that may be more difficult to detect with the naked eye, making them easier to manage during treatment.

• Can antibiotic drugs alone cure pulp inflammation?

  No, antibiotics alone cannot cure pulp inflammation. When the pulp is necrotic (dead), there is no blood circulation within the pulp cavity, meaning antibiotics cannot reach or effectively kill the bacteria living there. Antibiotics are only used as an adjunct by dentists when treating acute inflammation, such as an abscess in the jaw.

  Since patients may have difficulty accurately diagnosing pain or inflammation in the oral cavity, it's essential to visit a dentist. The dentist will treat the pain without relying on antibiotics. However, after the acute symptoms have subsided, completing the endodontic treatment is necessary to preserve the tooth.