Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between a general dentist and an endodontist?
A. An endodontist has completed two to three additional years of education beyond dental school, focused entirely on diagnosing and treating problems within the tooth’s pulp and root canal system. While a general dentist is trained broadly across all aspects of oral health, an endodontist brings highly specialized expertise to complex internal tooth issues.
Q. What are the signs that I might need a root canal?
A. Common signs include severe or prolonged tooth pain especially when chewing, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, darkening or discoloration of a tooth, swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums, and a persistent pimple-like bump on the gum near the painful tooth. These symptoms may indicate that the pulp has become infected or damaged.
Q. Is a root canal painful?
A. Root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. The discomfort people associate with root canals is almost always the infected tooth itself, not the procedure. With modern anesthetics and techniques, most patients are surprised by how manageable their experience actually is.
Q. How does technology improve root canal treatment?
A. Digital imaging and cone beam CT scanning provide a three-dimensional view of your tooth’s internal anatomy, allowing us to map the canal system before treatment begins. Combined with rotary instrumentation and advanced irrigation protocols, we can clean even the most complex canal systems with a level of precision that was simply not possible a generation ago.
Q. Can a cracked tooth be saved with a root canal?
A. It depends on how far the crack has progressed. When caught early, before it reaches the root, endodontic treatment is often the best way to save the tooth. If you have been experiencing unexplained tooth pain, our team is trained to identify subtle signs that other diagnostics might miss, and we encourage you to schedule an evaluation promptly.
Q. How do I schedule an endodontic appointment at Smile Craft Dental in Redwood City?
A. Call our Redwood City office at (650) 880-1550 to schedule an evaluation, or complete our contact form to request an appointment. Do not wait for the problem to worsen — we would be glad to help you find relief and protect your smile for the long term.
