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 endodontistcan 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 treatmentremoves 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 requiresendodontic treatment, that treatment is designed toeliminatebacteria from the infected root canal,preventreinfection of the tooth andsavethe 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, theJournal of the American Dental Associationtook 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. TheJADAreviewed Dr. Prices research techniques from the 1920s and noted that they lacked many aspects of modern scientific research, including the 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 whetherroot canal treatmentis 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.
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.
Our doctors are specialist members of the American Association of Endodontists. Our expert team, led by respected endodontic specialists, includes an experienced endodontic staff. We provide the highest standard of professional care in a friendly, comfortable environment.
Dr. Harold W. Mohorn is a native of Greensboro, North Carolina. He received his BS Degree from Davidson College, his DDS Degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his MS Degree in Endodontics from the University of Iowa.
Dr. Mohorn has taught clinical endodontics at the University of Iowa and has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Endodontics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Mohorn lectures frequently and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 15 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSandra Hanawalt
2 years ago
not a good experience the office seemed hectic when Dr. Baird came in he was rushed he was aggressive he was non-personable it was Bam Bam Bam oh something went wrong ..need to know if I was a gambler if I would gamble on the fact that my tooth would survive a crown.. you know which the tooth was cracked but was now cracked all the way .. I just feel that if he had taken his time he might not of cracked at the rest of the way which I ended up and had to go get an extraction was not impressed with them whatsoever and will never return . very Arrogant and aggressive never said two word after it cracked all the way.....and the story of my friend that went is even worse than mine so stay away! no pain meds no follow up nothing.... do better
Ray Bunton
2 years ago
Dr. Morgan saw me on a 2 hour notice and took care of my pain by doing a root canal right away. He is very professional and took the time to explain everything to me. This is the second root canal he has done for me and he gets 5-stars on both visits and all aspects of the visits. The dental professional, Sharon, is also very professional and friendly and made me feel comfortable during the procedure.
Meg W
2 years ago
Dr. Malueg was awesome!! Nobody wants to have to have a root canal, but if you do, she's the one you want to have taking care of you. Her communication is top notch, she explains every sound and sensation before it happens, so gracious, knowledgeable and friendly, and her assistants know to pat your shoulder to distract you during uncomfortable moments, which really helps. She found a microtubule that another dentist had missed.
Cathy Charpentier
2 years ago
Excellent service
SilverDee212
2 years ago
I had to have a root canal last week (my fourth! ) Dr Stanley and his team took such good care of me. He explained every step of the process and made sure I was comfortable, and more importantly, very numbed! If I must have another in the future, this is where I'll go!
Jerry Whitehurst
2 years ago
I was referred by my dentist. I need a root canal. When I called to make the appointment I told them what my insurance was. At the time, I did not realize they were out of network. Shame on me for not asking. It's my fault. HOWEVER, when I said my insurance was MetLife the next words out of their mouth should have been 'please understand we are not in network'. When checking out I was given a quote for the root canal. "It will be $450 at 80%" I said, "It will be less than that because in network covers 90%". Crickets. Nothing, except swipe your card for the consult fee and see you in two weeks. I should have been more astute but they should be more forthcoming.
Jerry Whitehurst
3 years ago
I was referred by my dentist. I need a root canal. When I called to make the appointment I told them what my insurance was. At the time, I did not realize they were out of network. Shame on me for not asking. It's my fault. HOWEVER, when I said my insurance was MetLife the next words out of their mouth should have been 'please understand we are not in network'. When checking out I was given a quote for the root canal. "It will be $450 at 80%" I said, "It will be less than that because in network covers 90%". Crickets. Nothing, except swipe your card for the consult fee and see you in two weeks. I should have been more astute but they should be more forthcoming.
Hailey Hulin
3 years ago
Due to bad dental anxiety, I neglected my teeth for several years and finally the day came that my tooth starting aching, forcing me to make an appointment. When I was told I needed a root canal and was referred to Piedmont Endodontics, I was terrified but I can honestly say the experience was much better than I expected! I wish I could remember the lady's name that assisted the whole time (said she's worked with them for over 30 years) but she and Dr. Stanley were so kind and comforting and even the numbing that I was so afraid of wasn't too bad because he was so good with the needle! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this practice! If you have the misfortune of needing this procedure, just do yourself a favor and call this office!
Wendy Leary
3 years ago
My 12 year old daughtet needed a root canal and was terrified. Dr Stanley and his team were awesome. They explained every step to her. They were patient, reassuring and very gentle. Amazing with kids !!
L H
3 years ago
I needed a root canal procedure, this place is the best! I have been here in the past and I will always come back! Excellent doctors and staff, make you feel relaxed and I have never experienced pain here. 100% recommend!
Hailey Hulin
4 years ago
Due to bad dental anxiety, I neglected my teeth for several years and finally the day came that my tooth starting aching, forcing me to make an appointment. When I was told I needed a root canal and was referred to Piedmont Endodontics, I was terrified but I can honestly say the experience was much better than I expected! I wish I could remember the lady's name that assisted the whole time (said she's worked with them for over 30 years) but she and Dr. Stanley were so kind and comforting and even the numbing that I was so afraid of wasn't too bad because he was so good with the needle! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this practice! If you have the misfortune of needing this procedure, just do yourself a favor and call this office!
Wendy Leary
4 years ago
My 12 year old daughtet needed a root canal and was terrified. Dr Stanley and his team were awesome. They explained every step to her. They were patient, reassuring and very gentle. Amazing with kids !!
L H
4 years ago
I needed a root canal procedure, this place is the best! I have been here in the past and I will always come back! Excellent doctors and staff, make you feel relaxed and I have never experienced pain here. 100% recommend!
James Fetner
4 years ago
Dr. Stanley is amazing. Have no reservations about allowing this talented clinician perform a root canal on you or your loved one.
James Fetner
5 years ago
Dr. Stanley is amazing. Have no reservations about allowing this talented clinician perform a root canal on you or your loved one.
Holly Littman
5 years ago
If you need a root canal, please call this office!! Beat experience by far.
Holly Littman
6 years ago
If you need a root canal, please call this office!! Beat experience by far.
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