Your tooth consists of two main parts: the crown, which is that part of the tooth above the gum and visible in your mouth; and the root or roots, which is that part of the tooth that lies beneath the gum and is surrounded by bone. Inside each root is a channel that runs the length of the tooth. This channel is the root canal and contains the pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue), which is often referred to as the nerve of the tooth. The pulp may be irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay, very deep restorations, fractures, trauma, or periodontal disease.
In order to preserve a tooth in which this has occurred, it is necessary to remove the diseased pulp tissue. This procedure is known as endodontic therapy. Since endodontic therapy is concerned with removing only the pulp from the root canal, the root will continue to function normally because the supporting tissues remain intact. It is advisable to remove the injured pulp because it may become infected or act as an irritant to the tissues surrounding the tooth.
There are many misconceptions surrounding root canal (endodontic) treatment and whether patients experience root canal pain. The American Association of Endodontists wants you to have accurate information. As always, when considering any medical procedure, you should get as much information as you can about all of your options. Your dentist or endodontist can answer many of your questions, and if you still have concerns, it is often wise to seek a second opinion.
The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago but with modern technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. In fact, a recent survey showed that patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as painless than patients who have not had root canal treatment.
Most patients see their dentist or endodontist when they have a severe toothache. The toothache can be caused by damaged tissues in the tooth. Root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relieving the pain you feel.
The myth: Patients searching the Internet for information on root canals may find sites claiming that teeth receiving root canal (endodontic) treatment contribute to the occurrence of illness and disease in the body. This false claim is based on long-debunked and poorly designed research performed nearly a century ago by Dr. Weston A. Price, at a time before medicine understood the causes of many diseases.
In the 1920s, Dr. Price advocated tooth extractionthe most traumatic dental procedureover endodontic treatment. This resulted in a frightening era of tooth extraction both for treatment of systemic disease and as a prophylactic measure against future illness.
The truth: There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal-treated teeth and disease elsewhere in the body. A root canal is a safe and effective procedure. When a severe infection in a tooth requires endodontic treatment, that treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth.
But what about Dr. Price? This is a good example of how the Internet can give new life to long-dispelled theories. Believe it or not, the misinformation about roots canals that is found on the Internet is still based on Dr. Prices century-old, discredited research. Dr. Prices research techniques were criticized at the time they were published, and by the early 1930s, a number of well-designed studies using more modern research techniques discredited his findings. In 1951, the Journal of the American Dental Association took the extraordinary step of publishing a special edition reviewing the scientific literature and shifted the standard of practice back to endodontic treatment for teeth with non-vital pulp in instances where the tooth could be saved. The JADA reviewed Dr. Prices research techniques from the 1920s and noted that they lacked many aspects of modern scientific research, including absence of proper control groups and induction of excessive doses of bacteria.
Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. If your dentist recommends extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is an option.
Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant. Endodontic treatment also has a very high success rate. Many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime.
Millions of healthy endodontically treated teeth serve patients all over the world, years and years after treatment. Those healthy teeth are helping patients chew efficiently, maintain the natural appearance of their smiles and enhance their enjoyment of life. Through endodontic treatment, endodontists and dentists worldwide enable patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
Dr. Marianna Delgado was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where she earned her degree in dentistry from the Central University of Venezuela in 2001. After practicing general dentistry, Dr. Delgado went to earn her Postdoctoral Certificate in Endodontics at New York University College of Dentistry, where she was elected chief resident of the program. After her specialty education and training in Endodontics she moved back to Houston. Dr. Delgado teaches part-time as an Assistant Clinical Professor of the Department of Endodontics at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. She is proficient in all areas of modern advanced endodontics such as microscopic and microsurgical technique. Dr. Delgado is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, Houston Academy of Endodontics, American Dental Association, Greater Houston Dental Society and Houston Hispanic Dental Society. On a personal note Dr. Delgado currently lives in Houston, Texas. She is married and enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, photography, foodie and zumba.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 86 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestCarman Hoffman
a year ago
The best dentist I have ever been to. I went in freaking out and the doctor was wonderful. She explained everything and kept making sure I was okay. The assistant was very pleasant. Front desk people were also so wonderful. Highly recommend!
Briah Hightower
a year ago
I went her for the first time in agonizing pain. The dr did a test and provided two options, not giving a definitive diagnosis of what the issue was. I left in the exact same condition I went there in after paying nearly a $100. I did not receive a diagnosis nor did the provider give me a prescription for the blatant pain she witnessed me in. For me, terrible experience. If you're looking for compassion & care this isn't the place.
Kelbee
a year ago
Had a root canal here and it RUINED my life! It gave me nerve damage, neuropathy, and left me disabled and barely able to walk. Please do yourself a favor and research why you shouldn't get a root canal or keep a dead tooth in your mouth. I knew the risks and let myself be pressured by my dentist to get one anyhow and now I live with regret. Not everyone will experience this but it can happen and it did here! I know it costs more, but if you're considering a root canal please seek out a biological holistic dentist first! Save your life, not your dead tooth! *UPDATE* THEY WANT TO SAY I WASN'T A PATIENT HERE. YES, TF I WAS!! Unless there's others with the same complaint, they know exactly who I am! Thankfully I'm going to a biological dentist next month & having the root canal REVERSED in hopes in time it will relieve the nerve damage. By her own admission, this chick is only an endodontist because she couldn't pass medical exams to be something more. If you read the reviews of others, she makes detrimental mistakes often and NEVER accepts responsibility for them. Sure, mistakes happen, but would you really trust a health professional who can't even admit to making one? Eff this place and eff this endodontist!
Lulu Nick
2 years ago
the staff is amazing
Alexis Hurta
2 years ago
Dr. Delgado was very nice and thorough and explained everything to me in detail. Getting a root canal is never fun, but they made this a positive experience.
Mike Myatt
2 years ago
Easy, explained every detail so I understood. Quick and efficient. Cost was even lower than expected...huge win. Great Practice!
Ronnie Harris
2 years ago
Recently I had to visit for an unfortunate infection. Thankfully, Doctor Delgado took great care of the situation and me! She educated me about what the issue was as well as everything she did. It was refreshing to have a doctor who made me feel like she really cares. The entire staff was amazing and very nice. Thanks so much for the phenomenal service.
Kelbee
2 years ago
Had a root canal here and it RUINED my life! It gave me nerve damage, neuropathy, and left me disabled and barely able to walk. Please do yourself a favor and research why you shouldn't get a root canal or keep a dead tooth in your mouth. I knew the risks and let myself be pressured by my dentist to get one anyhow and now I live with regret. Not everyone will experience this but it can happen and it did here! I know it costs more, but if you're considering a root canal please seek out a biological holistic dentist first! Save your life, not your dead tooth!
Tamara Twiner
2 years ago
I was referred to Dr. Delgado by my dentist, Dr. Miller. Dr. Miller (my family dentist) discovered I had a crack in my tooth but wasn't sure how bad it was. I arrived at the office 30 minutes early, which was entirely my fault, but I was seated in the chair at 8:35 a.m. by the most fantastic sunburned assistant I have met in a long time. She was charming, talkative, bright, energetic, and just as upbeat as ever. Her personality was contagious, and you could not possibly be in a bad mood around her. Great Job, Audrey!! Dr. Delgado is EVERYTHING!! Her chairside manner completely matched her caring and concerned personality. She explained every move she made before making it. She couldn't see everything, so she ordered a 3D scan of my mouth. Thank goodness she did. She put images of my tooth on the screen in front of me. She gave me a personal presentation on what was going on with my tooth. Because of her, I have finally found that several fractures cause pain in my tooth (dern Mexico girls trip, yes, there is a story.). Three months of pain and finally a diagnosis! Bless your hands, your mind, and your spirit Dr. Delgado!!! You, ma'am, are AMAZING!! I hope I never have to return, but if I do, I'll be ready!! Thank you so much again!!
Jake H
2 years ago
Dr Delgado is extremely knowledgeable, explains everything every step of the way, checked multiple times on me to ensure I wasn't in pain and had some secret knowledge on some great food spots. That's bonus points! Thanks again MD Endodontics
Bridgett Swaringim
2 years ago
I had my first root canal about 15 years ago, and this place was such a BETTER experience. Was nothing like what I first had. I didn't feel a thing. The team in this office are so lovely and peaceful. They made sure I was comfortable the entire time. 10/10 recommend if you need any work done.
Johnny McDonald
2 years ago
This dr is a complete novice. The only reason I gave 1 star is because you have to select a star to comment. DO NOT go to this dentist! She does not know how to deaden jaw teeth. I have had a lot of dental work over the years and never once had a problem getting my teeth deadened. But Marianna did not know how to do it. Three shots and two broken needles later I got up and walked out. She must have trained in the jungle somewhere. PLEASE do not blow this review off it is absolutely the truth. I imagine her good reviews come from family and friends.
A. Luis Sotelo
2 years ago
Excellent service and very professional staff. I definitely will return in the future.
Vicky Smith
2 years ago
Dr. Delgado has a very calming bedside manner! And she explains every single step during the process.
Ana Rodriguez
2 years ago
Worst experience ever!! Spent over two hours waiting when you book an early appointment. If they are not able to see you at your schedule appointment than why book it.
Nicholas Castellano
2 years ago
Absolutely loved my visit with Dr. Delgado. Dr. Delgado and her team made a rather uneasy and anxious procedure quite calming and relaxing. Hopefully with better care I won't be coming back, but if I do I'll always go to M.D. Endodontics. Thank y'all so much!
Jerry Welch
2 years ago
I seldom leave a review for anyone but this time I will make an exception. My overall root canal experience yesterday was very pleasant and totally pain free. The front desk staff and dental assistant are very sweet and totally professional. I think Dr. Delgado is amazing and if I am in need of another root canal in the future, she is the doctor I want to do it.
Veronica Avalos
2 years ago
MD endodontics, Dr. Delgado and staff were amazing! I had been dealing with a crown, that clearly needed to be a root canal too, for almost 3 months. After going back and forth with the general dentist, I went ahead and called MD endodontics. They immediately gave me an appt for a few weeks out but I asked to be on a waiting list bc the pain was getting worse. They called me back the same day and put me in on a cancelled appt spot! I went in on the day of my appt, xrays quickly and they explained the issue with my current crown. They went ahead and performed the root canal that same day. The staff and dentist were very thorough in explaining their procedure and what was going on. I immediately felt better. Pain was gone and soon things were back to normal. I would highly recommend them.
PartyPerkstx
2 years ago
THE STAFF WAS AMAZING AND VERY WILLNG TO HELP YOU OUT WITH SCHEDULING, DR VERY PROFESSIONAL IN CRAFT , ROOT CANAL NOT A ISSUE........HIGHY RECOMMENDED 5 STAR
Mario Pl
3 years ago
Painless experience ever ! Dr Delgado has magic hands
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