To understand more about why endodontic treatment is necessary, it helps if you have a basic understanding about your teeth. For starters, humans have 32 teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 8 molars. In most cases, it is usually the molars that are prone to requiring endodontic treatment because they are so far in the back and can be hard to clean properly. Each one of these teeth has both external and internal anatomical structures that helps it to maintain its chewing and speaking function.
The external anatomy of a tooth is broken down into three main structures: the crown, neck, and root. The crown is the visible portion of the tooth that extends out of the gum line. The neck is underneath the crown and sits just above the gum line and tooth roots. The roots represent two-thirds of the entire tooth, but are completely submerged below the gum line and are not visible.
The roots are held into the tooths socket by cementum and the periodontal ligament. Cementum is a hard, bone-like connective tissue that secures the tooth roots to the gums and jawbone, while the periodontal ligament is responsible for holding the teeth against the jaw.
The internal anatomy is broken down into different layers: the enamel, dentin, and pulp. The enamel is the outermost and hardest layer that covers the crown and neck of the tooth. In fact, enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is composed of calcium phosphate. The middle layer is known as dentin. Dentin is hard, though not as hard as enamel, but is porous and contains microscopic tubes that lead to the inside of the tooth. The innermost layer of the tooth is known as the pulp. The pulp is made up of living tissue such as blood vessels and nerves.
Unfortunately, the pulp layer can be irreversibly damaged when exposed to bacteria from decay, deep restorations, fractures, trauma, or periodontal disease. When the pulp layer becomes infected, the tissue must be removed in order to alleviate pain and preserve the remaining tooth. The process of removing diseased pulp tissue from the inside of the tooth is known as endodontic therapy. During one common type of endodontic therapy, known as a root canal, the pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals. Because the supporting tissues are not touched and remain intact, the root will continue to function normally.
Dr. Dalzell is a certified specialist in endodontics entering private practice after thirteen years of honorable service in the Army Dental Corps. Dr. Dalzell prioritizes having a comfortable environment for his patients. His goal is to provide high quality, painless root canals using state of the art technology.
Dr. Dalzell was born in Okinawa, Japan and grew up in the U.S. and Germany. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and then went on to complete a 2-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD-2) program at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he learned to focus on quality treatment for patients with complex needs. Dr. Dalzell was appointed Chief of General Dentistry while stationed in Germany and attained Board Certification with the American Board of General Dentistry. In 2008 he transitioned to assistant director of a 1-year AEGD program where he began pursuing his specialty training. Dr. Dalzell earnedhis Certificate in Endodontics, Fort Gordon, Georgia in conjunction with the Medical College of Georgia, graduating in June 2012. He was assigned to Ft. Bliss, TX to serve as the Chief of Endodontics and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After five moves with the military and thirteen years of service, Dr. Dalzell and his family are very excited to be in the Raleigh area. His vision is to provide patients with excellent and predictable endodontic care. This combined with friendly chair side manner, learned from watching his father, Dr. Dan Dalzell, practice pediatric dentistry while growing up, allows for a patient experience that is far beyond what is expected.
Dr. Dalzell is a member of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), American Dental Association (ADA), North Carolina Dental Society and the Raleigh/Wake County Dental Society. He is also an active member of the Tar Heel Endodontic Association and Southern Endodontic Study Group. Dr. Dalzell believes education is a satisfying and never ending process.
Dr. Dalzell is a Fellow in the International College Of Dentists. This honorary organization is a testament to Dr. Dalzells service and dedication to his profession as recognized by his professional colleagues.
In their spare time, Dr. Dalzell and staff enjoy giving back to dentistry by volunteering at North Carolina Mission of Mercy (NCMOM) events and Wake Smiles Dental Clinic. Away from the office,he enjoys trail running and many family activities, especially traveling with his wife and daughter.
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 orendodontistcan 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 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.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 247 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestOlivia Hirsch
a year ago
Dr. Dalzell and his staff were great! I had to get a root canal because of an infected tooth and his assistant was so sweet and he was beyond calming! I was able to get an appointment the next day which I was not expecting! He walked me through everything he did and the experience went better than I anticipated. It was painless and recovery was easy after with no issues thanks to his skill!
Matthew "Zeke" Van Fossen
2 years ago
I've gone to Raleigh Endodontics for two root canals in the last year, and all of it went more smoothly than I could have imagined. The first time, I was sent in with a minor toothache. I was in a state of fear about the procedure, and feeling pretty bad about my situation, but the whole experience turned out to be a huge relief. On my recent visits, I was in a relatively good mood about it all, knowing that Dr. Dalzell and his staff would take care of me and keep me well-informed. Also, he was able to give me the good news that, as things stand, I don't need a third root canal. Everyone was very patient and accommodating.
Michael Blakey
2 years ago
Dr. Dalzell and his whole team were amazing! They were able to get me in for an appointment very expeditiously and helped fix my issue. The front office staff were so nice and accommodating and explained everything thoroughly. The back office staff, including the hygienist and Dr. Dalzell himself were extremely nice and listened to my concerns. I would recommend Raleigh Endodontics to anyone and everyone who needs to see an endodontist!
Valerie Nunn
2 years ago
I absolutely love this office and Dr. Dalzell is fantastic. I was referred for an emergency root canal, and Raleigh Endodontics was able to get me in so fast. It was the most comfortable, pain-free dental procedure I've ever experienced - the dental assistant was just as amazing as the doctor. Everything was explained to me so thoroughly and I just felt so confident with having the work done and leaving knowing it was going to be okay. I'm returning to him in a couple of weeks & will continue to return to this office if I need similar work done!
LaJuanna O'Neal
2 years ago
If you have ever had tooth pain then you can totally understand the almost desperate feeling of needing help and for someone to care about taking that pain away so you can go back to normal. Dr. Dalzell and his staff did that ! From the person who answered the phone and scheduled my appointment to Dr. Dalzell and his assistant during my procedure. AWESOME customer service and bedside manner. Also I called on Monday and someone cancelled and they were able to see me on Tuesday. Miracles do exist! What I liked the most that the appointment was for a consult and treatment so I did not have to go for 2 separate appointments, an office that values your time. My root Canal was painless and I was comfortable, Great Job Team! If you are ever in the need of an Endodontist I highly recommend Dr. Luke Dalzell, DDS.
Dwayne Leatherwood
2 years ago
Dr. Dalzell was INCREDIBLE. The staff was also excellent. I highly recommend them to anyone. I had a root canal and was a little nervous. It was painless. They were awesome.
Jolene Fritsch
2 years ago
Dr. Dalzell was great! I have TMJ and had a root canal recently but I felt very comfortable about the procedure - it was super quick and painless! Everyone was super friendly and nice too! Great place, will definitely be back in the future, just hopefully not anytime soon!
Kevin Galinsky
2 years ago
I had a root canal performed here and the process was easy and efficient. I was able to get an initial consultation quickly thanks to a cancellation, and had the procedure performed less than two weeks later. One big plus was that I could get the root canal done at 7am which is handy for people with busy schedules. Friendly staff, convenient location, and a fast and painless procesure.
Meg Hakenewerth
2 years ago
I had my first root canal performed by Dr. Dalzell. I had no idea what to expect (other than the horror stories I've heard from others). It was so quick and painless! Dr. Dalzell and his staff were friendly and efficient and explained the procedure every step of the way. I hope not to have to have more root canals, but if I do, I would definitely return to Raleigh Endodontics.
Tealouievee
2 years ago
I'm so glad I found this place. I called to schedule an appointment, and I was able to be seen sooner than expected. Once I got to the office for my appointment the staff were really kind. Dr. Dalzell was great. I did not feel any pain at all. He made sure I was ok and showed great care. Pleasant experience, highly recommended this office if you're in the Raleigh/Durham area.
Nicole Lowe
2 years ago
I have had five root canals and this was the most painless root canal I've had! Dr. Dalzell did a excellent job! I had to drive an hour to get to the office, but if I ever need another root canal I would definitely make the drive again. From the front desk to the assistant everybody was very nice and did a great job.
Belinda Edwards
2 years ago
Several years ago I had a root canal done by another dentist in Cary, NC who was also great. Well, just a couple years later, this same root canal had gotten infected to the point I had to take antibiotics to treat the infection before anything could be done to re-treat the root canal. Dr. Dalzell and his staff were wonderful. They were very patient and kind during the entire treatment process, wonderful staff and so informative in explaining everything. Go to Dr. Dalzell if you're having root canal or any dental pain!!! You won't be sorry, just relieved:-)
Jeff Snyder
2 years ago
Been a few times and great service
Tawni Reece
2 years ago
No one is going to describe a root canal as a fun experience. However as far as uncomfortable situations go this was one of the best experiences I've had. I appreciate the compassion. Thank you!
Chris Addison
2 years ago
My wife had previously been treated by Dr. Dalzell and had a great experience. My own experience was equally good. Treatment was painless and I felt very comfortable throughout. Dr. Dalzell and his team ensured that I was fully informed and catered to and did everything to ensure I was happy with what was going on.
Sinfully Divine
2 years ago
Second time here and another great experience! Very pleased with my procedure and I love how they make sure you're comfortable and pain free!
Hannah Covil
2 years ago
This place is amazing! I called first thing in the morning on a Monday since I had been in a great amount of pain over the weekend and they were able to see me that day. The girl that made my appointment made sure to explain everything to me and really seemed to care, she also called me back to let me know how much my insurance would cover towards the procedure and what I would have to pay out of pocket. When I got there for my appointment everyone that I spoke to was kind and professional. Dr. Dalzell was awesome, and you can tell he truly cares about his patients. He was quick to determine what the root of the problem was. It was my first root canal so everyone could tell I was nervous, but Dr. Dalzell made sure to explain everything. The procedure itself didn't hurt at all, and the following days I had little to no pain. Everyone that works here is amazing, I just can't say enough good things about all of them. Hopefully I won't need another root canal anytime soon, but if I do, I will be coming back here. I have already recommended Dr. Dalzell to a few of my family and friends.
Kayla Dunston
2 years ago
I was nervous about getting a root canal at first but I'm so glad I went to this office for treatment. The doctor is well educated within his practice and treated me so nicely and made me feel comfortable. The treatment was so nice and smooth that I even fell in and out of sleep. Hopefully I never need a root canal again but if I do, I will definitely be coming here! Thank you Dr. Dalzell!!
Emmett Mangum jr
2 years ago
Dr. Dalzell and the staff are great. They made me feel comfortable, throughout the pain free root canal procedure. I highly recommend Raleigh Endodonitics!
Ashley Hayden
2 years ago
Dr Dalzell and his staff are amazing!!!! I highly recommend them!
Load more