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 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 4.0 out of 5 based on 12 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRachel Phillips
a year ago
Dr. Gee was awesome. I was referred by my dentist for an emergency root canal, and they were able to see me that same day. Dr. Gee was very nice. He explained things and answered my questions. I appreciated that throughout the root canal he asked me if I was doing okay or could feel any pain. I felt like he cared about me as a patient and wasn't just getting the job done.The staff were very friendly and accommodating. I recommend coming here and seeing Dr. Gee.
Weak Sauce
2 years ago
I freak out going to the dentist or the doctor. Anxiety through the roof when I know I am scheduled. Freak out until the end. Dr. Lim and everyone I came in contact with were extremely nice. I had a root canal done on one of my molars. They were able to save the tooth. My experience is one of the best I've had. Dr. Lim explained the process and even explained what he was doing while he was doing it. He assured me no pain during the process which was completely true. Trust me when I say I freak out when it comes to dentist. Awesome experience from initial contact to the end. I'm a just a bit sore but feel way better. If you need an a root canal or anything else requiring an endodontist he is very good & passionate about what he does!
Victoria Brown
2 years ago
My husband has been dealing with a major tooth ache for two months. This was the third time he saw this dr for the tooth and each time he said he knew how to fix it worked on it two weeks ago and said he needed to come back in two weeks to finish the procedure. Went in today and they kept saying the dr took in too many emergency patients and he would have to wait over an hour after his appointment time. My husband waited but was not happy. Dr came in numbed him left for a half hour and came back drilled for 5 min said the tooth had to be pulled and gave him pain meds and antibiotic and told him to leave. Calling delta dental in the morning to complain and stop paying him. Think twice if you are going to come here. If he runs behind he pushes you out
Willie Davis
2 years ago
Awesome, friendly staff... no pain, they made me feel real comfortable about a root canal...
Giovanni
2 years ago
I had a great experience getting a root canal procedure done by Jessica Oo and her assistant. The office space is comfortable, and the staff are courteous and welcoming. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
Victoria Brown
3 years ago
My husband has been dealing with a major tooth ache for two months. This was the third time he saw this dr for the tooth and each time he said he knew how to fix it worked on it two weeks ago and said he needed to come back in two weeks to finish the procedure. Went in today and they kept saying the dr took in too many emergency patients and he would have to wait over an hour after his appointment time. My husband waited but was not happy. Dr came in numbed him left for a half hour and came back drilled for 5 min said the tooth had to be pulled and gave him pain meds and antibiotic and told him to leave. Calling delta dental in the morning to complain and stop paying him. Think twice if you are going to come here. If he runs behind he pushes you out
Willie Davis
3 years ago
Awesome, friendly staff... no pain, they made me feel real comfortable about a root canal...
Giovanni
3 years ago
I had a great experience getting a root canal procedure done by Jessica Oo and her assistant. The office space is comfortable, and the staff are courteous and welcoming. I would highly recommend this place to anyone.
Carolyn Stark
3 years ago
My husband had to keep going back a total of 3 times for the same problem. We were billed for every time and they still didn't fix the problem.
Robin Hodge
3 years ago
Excellent. Gentle. Thorough. Pain-free. I'm older, have moved around California in my lifetime & have gone to many different dentists. These guys are the best, by far! Don't be afraid of a root canal, these people are terrific!
Robin Hodge
4 years ago
Excellent. Gentle. Thorough. Pain-free. I'm older, have moved around California in my lifetime & have gone to many different dentists. These guys are the best, by far! Don't be afraid of a root canal, these people are terrific!
Carolyn Stark
4 years ago
My husband had to keep going back a total of 3 times for the same problem. We were billed for every time and they still didn't fix the problem.
Lisa Marshall
4 years ago
I have had two Root Canal done here and they are great. Very nice. Staff is wonderful. Front desk receptionist's are very sweet and respectful. So glad they have payment plans for what my insurance didn't cover or covered up to. No pain, always asked if I were okay and went smoothly. I very much recommend this place. Thank you.
michael ochs
5 years ago
Jason Gee, D.M.D. was the one to do my root canal and he did a fantastic job, everything was great especially since I was nervous when I went in. Him and his team helped ease me and made it a painless process, other than the needle to numb, I think they are a great team. Thank you Mr. Gee
Lisa Marshall
5 years ago
I have had two Root Canal done here and they are great. Very nice. Staff is wonderful. Front desk receptionist's are very sweet and respectful. So glad they have payment plans for what my insurance didn't cover or covered up to. No pain, always asked if I were okay and went smoothly. I very much recommend this place. Thank you.
michael ochs
5 years ago
Jason Gee, D.M.D. was the one to do my root canal and he did a fantastic job, everything was great especially since I was nervous when I went in. Him and his team helped ease me and made it a painless process, other than the needle to numb, I think they are a great team. Thank you Mr. Gee
danny alcabedos
5 years ago
I have root canal performed by Dr Janessa Ooh and I am extremely grateful and fully happy with the way I was treated by her as well as her staff. Being employed from 2 BIG Companies Transamerica/AEGON & EDS/HEWLETT-PACKARD that were ISO Certified during my employment for 28 years together, this institution SHOULD also an ISO Certified..it truly deserve a 5 STARS....
danny alcabedos
6 years ago
I have root canal performed by Dr Janessa Ooh and I am extremely grateful and fully happy with the way I was treated by her as well as her staff. Being employed from 2 BIG Companies Transamerica/AEGON & EDS/HEWLETT-PACKARD that were ISO Certified during my employment for 28 years together, this institution SHOULD also an ISO Certified..it truly deserve a 5 STARS....
Brady Cox
6 years ago
Dr Li is the man! His staff rocks, too! I had a root canal done, and he did it in no time flat. Not only was it fast (which normally I'd be worried about), but he also did a fantastic job! That said, I don't want to go back though...you know...because no one wants to go back to the dentist!
Brady Cox
7 years ago
Dr Li is the man! His staff rocks, too! I had a root canal done, and he did it in no time flat. Not only was it fast (which normally I'd be worried about), but he also did a fantastic job! That said, I don't want to go back though...you know...because no one wants to go back to the dentist!
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