Root canal endodontics primarily involves the treatment of a dying or dead tooth. However, this is not always the case. Occasionally, a living tooth will have elective root canal therapy for various reasons. A living tooth may be over erupted and in the way of opposing dentures. The dentist may be redesigning a patient's bite and wishes to level the surfaces of all the teeth to create a harmonious bite. In some cases, remaining cuspids have root canals, are shortened and are used as anchors to hold over dentures.

          Root canal endodontics has dramatically changed over the past decade. You could even say that these changes are revolutionary and the practice now hardly resembles what was done years ago. Most dentists are choosing to do one appointment root canal treatment. This saves the patient a great deal of time by not requiring a second dental visit and spares the tooth the insult of harboring dead tissue for an additional week or so. In cases where there is a signficant tooth abscess, this may not be done.

          Root canal endodontics saves teeth and we know that patients who keep their teeth live longer. This was a popular saying of the famous American physicians, the Mayo brothers. It was later confirmed by studying autopsy findings. These studies looked at whether or not a person wore dentures when he or she died and at what age the death occurred. People with their natural teeth lived an average of ten years longer! There are many other health benefits of having healthy teeth and gums.

         There are a lot of myths and unwise tales about root canal endodontics. The truth is, it is usually a comfortable experience and should not be feared. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Smith, our root canal dentist, does these procedures. Because we know that dental pain can be terrible, our Financial Manager will do everything she can to assist you in making financial arrangements to help you obtain your needed dental care. If your toothache is bothering you, make your appointment with Dr. Smith or Dr. Padolsky by calling 404-874-7428.