General Information

Common Questions
What is an Endodontic Microscope?

The microscope enables diagnosis and treatment with greater certainty and predictability via maximum illumination and magnification. Thus, commonly overlooked aspects of treatment that would otherwise result in eventual failure of treatment are visualized, and expertly diagnosed and treated. Dr. Grenn pioneered the development of the operating microscope and was the first to introduce it and use it for all procedures in Northern California.

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What about Digital X Rays?

We all think of an “X ray” as a negative photograph. It is produced by exposing the film to a beam of rays and then processing it through chemical solutions. Digital “X rays” are exposed the same way but with a fraction of the radiation to the patient because a digital sensor is used instead of film and the results are digitally recorded by a computer. There are no harmful chemicals in the environment and , if the image needs to be adjusted , it can be done digitally without having to expose you to another dose of x rays. In addition, the image can be viewed instantly on the computer screen without the usual delay of film processing. It should be noted that excellent dentistry can be performed without digital radiographs but their use can make it a lot easier on the patient and the dentist.
Why don't Antibiotics Cure Root Canal Problems?

Antibiotics help your immune system to fight pathological (disease causing) microorganisms. Once a pulp is diseased, injured, inflamed or dead, the blood flow into the pulp is compromised or non-existent if the pulp. This creates an ideal environment for the microorganisms to live inside of the tooth. Since blood flow is limited or non-existent, antibiotics are not carried into the pulp to affect the microorganisms. Therefore, they flourish in the pulp chamber inside the tooth no matter how much antibiotics you take. The antibiotic is effective in the supporting tissues around the tooth such as the gingiva (gums), mucosa, jaw bone and periodontal ligament. But the disease or dead pulp provides a constant source of microorganisms to re-infect the tissues. Once the root canal is done and the home for the microorganisms is eliminated, healing will follow and antibiotics will be effective in assisting the surrounding tissues to heal. It should be noted that the latter tissues can heal on their own without the help of the antibiotics once the root canal is completed.
How Can I Have Pain After My Root Canal Treatment Was Completed?


As we discussed previously the root canal procedure involves removing the pulp tissue and or its remnants and replacing it with a filling. The purpose of this process is to simply eliminate the home for bacteria. If the discomfort after the root canal is short term, one or two weeks, it may just be that the supporting tissues are simply irritated and will calm down. Since the space the pulp occupies is really a complex system of canals, it may be that the entire pulp was not removed nor its space completely filled in when the root canal was initially done. Since there are small openings in the root surface where the blood vessels enter to feed the pulp, the bacteria that persist in the root canal system and their toxins the pulp chamber into the surrounding tissues and pain or swelling results. In this case re-treatment of the root canal may be necessary with the goal of more completely removal of the pulp tissue and filling of the root canal system.
Cold Sensitivity?

My dentist told me I need a root canal when I went to see him for cold sensitivity on one tooth. Why do I need a root canal?
Intolerable cold sensitivity on an individual tooth means that there is a pulp inside of your tooth that is inflamed and hypersensitive and will most likely decompose and cause infection. So a root canal is advised to alleviate your pain and prevent future infection. Once the pulp is gone the tooth cannot feel cold sensitivity and once the space where the pulp lived is filled in, bacteria cannot survive and the possibility of infection is eliminated.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

 

                Every tooth has a soft center which contains an organ called the pulp. It is commonly called the “nerve” of the tooth, but it is actually just tissue that once formed the tooth around itself. Because the pulp tissue retains a very limited circulation at the tip of the root, it is very delicate. If the pulp is irritated by a cavity (or its subsequent deep restoration) or a fracture or a blow to the tooth, it can become inflamed and eventually die. The problem is that this creates an ideal environment for bacteria. The bacteria can then multiply and exit the chamber of the dead pulp through the small opening where the blood vessels entered at the tip of the root. The result?  Infection in the jaw bone with accompanying swelling and pain. The solution? Take away the home for the bacteria by removing the dead pulp and filling in the space. This procedure is called root canal therapy. If done correctly, meaning all of the pulp is removed and all of the residual space is filled in, the infection will heal and the problem is solved. This procedure without exception should be completely painless and require one or two visits to complete.
Will the treatment be painful?

We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is needed, we will inject a small amount of anesthesia to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after 2-3 hours.
Will I need to return to your office for follow-ups after the procedure is finished?

Yes, for most root canal treatments, we recommend that patients return to the office six months after the procedure was finished. Ocasionally, we would like to follow your progress for a longer period of time depending on specific circumstances at the doctor's discretion.