An Endodontist is a dentist who has undergone a minimum of 2 years of extra postgraduate training. This Specialist training allows an Endodontist to:

1. deal with diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures
2. diagnose facial pain and related problems.

Your general dentist sometimes refers patients for consultation when the diagnosis is complicated or when treatment is more difficult than normal. Aside from providing treatment, Dr. Tsai and Dr. Sharp's role is also that of educator. It is important that patients understand why they require treatment, what treatment involves, and what they can do to ensure the best possible outcome. Dr. Tsai and Dr. Sharp believe that a properly informed patient has the best chance of achieving the optimal result.

Endodontics is a specialty of Dentistry that specializes with diseases of the dental pulp and its supporting structures. Endodontists are Dentists with special post-graduate training in this field. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

Although General Dentists can perform Endodontic treatment, patients are often referred to an Endodontist when the case is complicated or more difficult than usual.

In order to understand Endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of a tooth. Teeth have several layers. The outside layer of the tooth is composed of a hard layer called enamel. Enamel is supported by an inner layer called dentin, which has at its center a soft tissue known as the pulp.

Toothache pain is the main reason for patients seeking treatment. Fortunately, modern anesthetics can make the procedure pain free in most cases. Seeking treatment early makes the procedure more comfortable, so don't wait. When caught early, treatment should feel no different than having a regular filling. For the first few days after treatment, there may be some sensitivity to biting pressure, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Sometimes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like Advil) are recommended for a day or two. Dr. Tsai and Dr. Sharp can prescribe other medications but they are rarely required.

Once endodontic therapy is completed your tooth should be examined periodically, usually every 6 - 12 months, but sometimes more frequently, especially immediately after the procedure is completed. This allows us to make sure the tooth has healed or is healing properly. You will be notified via phone, email, or a postcard when we feel it is appropriate to reevaluate the area. Since an abscess may take 2 years to heal, we want to be especially vigilant in monitoring the tooth.

Occasionally a tooth that has undergone endodontic, treatment fails to heal or pain continues despite therapy. Although rare, sometimes a tooth initially responds to root canal therapy but becomes painful or diseased months or years later. When either of these situations occur, the tooth often can be maintained with a second endodontic treatment.