FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an Endodontist?
An Endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal procedures. Endodontists undergo two or more years of post-dental schooling during which they extensively perfect their root canal techniques and procedures. It is for this reason that many general dentist refer their patients to an endodontist when a root canal procedure is required.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure where the inflamed or infected nerve tissue inside of a tooth is removed, disinfected and filled.
To learn more about root canals, please visit Root Canal Therapy.
Why do I need a root canal?
Inflammation and infection of the tooth's nerve tissue are the two main reasons why patients need root canal therapy. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack / chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks.
To learn more, visit Root Canal Therapy.
My dentist suspects that I have a cracked tooth. What does that mean?
Cracked teeth can be difficult to diagnose and locate because the pain comes and goes. However, there are a few symptoms that patients may experience if they have a cracked tooth. These include:
Early detection and diagnosis is important when attempting to treat these types of cases successfully.
To learn more about cracked teeth, click here.
Why would my tooth crack?
Tooth enamel can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but as we live longer we expose our teeth to stresses like clenching, grinding or chewing on hard objects, all of which can cause cracks in your tooth.
To learn more about cracked teeth, click here.
What type of anesthesia do you use?
At Endodontic Associates, LCC we only use local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is one of the most effective and safest ways to numb the necessary area.
How safe is a root canal?
Root canal treatment is a safe procedure for adults and children. At Endodontic Associates, LLC, we take all necessary precautions to make sure that your root canal experience is as safe as possible. For example, if your endodontist notices that there is a medical condition / medication that may complicate your endodontic treatment, they will reach out to your doctor for medical clearance.
If an unforeseen emergency does arise, all doctors at Endodontic Associates, LLC are CPR certified and an AED defibrillator is located at both offices.
How much does a root canal cost?
The fee will vary based on the tooth and the selected treatment option performed during your appointment.
Please visit Insurance and Payment Information for additional information.
Will I feel pain during and/or after the procedure?
No, you will not. During the procedure we use local anesthesia to numb the area and the tooth in order to make you as comfortable as possible. For a few days after the procedure you may have some sensitivity, but this is common and the pain should gradually subside.
What medications will I need to take post-procedure?
Depending on the procedure performed during your appointment, our recommendations for post-operative care will vary. Most times we recommend over-the-counter medication such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol, however there are certain cases when we may feel that stronger pain medications are necessary.
Based on the procedure performed on you, please reference the below post-operative documents:
Have additional questions? Contact us by phone at our Honolulu or Aiea office.
What is an Endodontist?
An Endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal procedures. Endodontists undergo two or more years of post-dental schooling during which they extensively perfect their root canal techniques and procedures. It is for this reason that many general dentist refer their patients to an endodontist when a root canal procedure is required.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure where the inflamed or infected nerve tissue inside of a tooth is removed, disinfected and filled.
To learn more about root canals, please visit Root Canal Therapy.
Why do I need a root canal?
Inflammation and infection of the tooth's nerve tissue are the two main reasons why patients need root canal therapy. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack / chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks.
To learn more, visit Root Canal Therapy.
My dentist suspects that I have a cracked tooth. What does that mean?
Cracked teeth can be difficult to diagnose and locate because the pain comes and goes. However, there are a few symptoms that patients may experience if they have a cracked tooth. These include:
- Erratic pain when chewing
- Pain when your tooth is exposed to extreme temperatures
Early detection and diagnosis is important when attempting to treat these types of cases successfully.
To learn more about cracked teeth, click here.
Why would my tooth crack?
Tooth enamel can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but as we live longer we expose our teeth to stresses like clenching, grinding or chewing on hard objects, all of which can cause cracks in your tooth.
To learn more about cracked teeth, click here.
What type of anesthesia do you use?
At Endodontic Associates, LCC we only use local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is one of the most effective and safest ways to numb the necessary area.
How safe is a root canal?
Root canal treatment is a safe procedure for adults and children. At Endodontic Associates, LLC, we take all necessary precautions to make sure that your root canal experience is as safe as possible. For example, if your endodontist notices that there is a medical condition / medication that may complicate your endodontic treatment, they will reach out to your doctor for medical clearance.
If an unforeseen emergency does arise, all doctors at Endodontic Associates, LLC are CPR certified and an AED defibrillator is located at both offices.
How much does a root canal cost?
The fee will vary based on the tooth and the selected treatment option performed during your appointment.
Please visit Insurance and Payment Information for additional information.
Will I feel pain during and/or after the procedure?
No, you will not. During the procedure we use local anesthesia to numb the area and the tooth in order to make you as comfortable as possible. For a few days after the procedure you may have some sensitivity, but this is common and the pain should gradually subside.
What medications will I need to take post-procedure?
Depending on the procedure performed during your appointment, our recommendations for post-operative care will vary. Most times we recommend over-the-counter medication such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol, however there are certain cases when we may feel that stronger pain medications are necessary.
Based on the procedure performed on you, please reference the below post-operative documents:
Have additional questions? Contact us by phone at our Honolulu or Aiea office.