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 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.
Dr. Moore is a North Carolina native raised in Greensboro. Dr. Moore completed a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Upon graduation, he continued his academic studies at East Carolina University for his dental training. Dr. Moore always had passion for endodontics and received his Advanced Endodontic training and Masters Degree at West Virginia University where he was awarded the James A. Griffin Scholarship. Dr. Moore is an active member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society,and the American Association of Endodontics
Dr. Moore completed his research focusing on endodontic accesses and instumentation and takes tremendous joy and pride in practicing evidenced based endodontics and staying on the forefront of endodontic advancement. Dr. Moore has built a state of the art practice, using the very latest technology. He carefully plans every detail of an endodontic case utilizing CT-scan, surgical operating microscopes, surgical guides for endodontic accesses and monitors in every operating room to ensure the best possible outcome for every procedure.
Above all Dr. Moore values patient experience and comfort and uses numerous techniques to ensure the absolute best experience for every patient. Dr. Moore has extensive training in treating dental anxiety and has a holistic approach towards treating every patient. Dr. Moore believes that humor and light heartedness are important for patients and staff when taking on complex dental situations.
Reviews
Rating 4.1 out of 5 based on 14 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAngel Tate
2 years ago
I have been Terrified of the dentist/endodontics/orthodontist since I was traumatized as a child. I have never met such a tender, caring, informative, supportive Doctor in my life. I'm 54 and loved how caring they were to me that I HUGGED Dr. Pat and his chair side assistant. They are beyond wonderful.
Scot Tay
2 years ago
They succeeded when other dentists said it couldn't be done. They saved me thousands, and my teeth. I'm very grateful for for their work!
AKW
2 years ago
Dr. Petley and staff were great. My dentist referred me over, they called within 48 hours to schedule and set everything up. The reviews below about not being able to do paperwork or having to wait were simply not the experience I had. I was there 2 minutes before my appointment, and was able to complete the needed paperwork in that time as it was all on a tablet and I just needed to acknowledge getting the very general forms you get from the Dr. Dr Petley was able to diagnose and treat the issue not only timely, but I have never had dental work and been so comfortable doing it. I couldnt recommend him enough
Quintin Isler
2 years ago
As stated in previous reviews, they lack appropriate administrative management. I was referred to Dr. Moore by my dentist who had to send over and then resend a referral form because Wilmington Endodontics apparently doesn't respond to referral form requests and call back patients who are referred to them, or they simply lack the concern to do so. After having my dentist send over 2 separate referrals with no call back, I had to call to have them look at their own computer system to find the referrals and schedule an appointment. After getting called into work the day of my first appointment, and then needing to reschedule my second appointment because of flu-like symptoms I was told that they couldn't reschedule any appointments for me any longer. I found an in network dentist who can do the job and who can actually call a referred customer back also. Fancy that
Danyil Yakovenko
2 years ago
My root canal procedure went so smooth and I didn't expect it would be so good. I didn't feel pain or discomfort and stuff was friendly too! Thank you!
Southern Boy Adventures
3 years ago
I would like to Thank Dr. Travis Moore and the office staff for a Great experience! My dentist referred me to Wilmington Endodontics for a root cannal. The office staff was very friendly. I filled out my personal information on there website prior to my appointment. When I arrived I had to fill out an authorization form. I waited about five minutes before being called back for the root cannal. Dr. Moore come in an explained what he was going to do, and when he was finished he told me what he did to fix my tooth. This was a very pleasant experience! If you need a root cannal, be sure and ask your dentist for a referral to see Dr. Travis Moore at Wilmington Endodontics.
Rick Wells
3 years ago
I'd like to thank Dr. Moore for taking me in on a moments notice and getting me out of pain when nobody else would. He managed the entire root canal procedure extremely well and I'm very appreciative. Thanks so much!
Glenn Sawyer
3 years ago
Dr. Petley was excellent, it was my first root canal and he took the time to explain and inform. The staff had to go the extra mile to track down my insurance taking several calls back and forth not only to me but my providers. They kept in contact both by email and text. Day after the procedure no pain, overall as positive an experience as having a root canal could possibly be, I would definitely use Dr. Petley again.
nola jackson
3 years ago
I was referred by my dentist. I was impressed from my first phone contact. I would happily recommend this practice. Well run office and state of the art equiptment. Staff were all well informed .
E K
3 years ago
If you're looking for a fantastic end-to-end endodontist experience, look no further than Wilmington Endodontics. This team of friendly, caring and all-around helpful professionals will do whatever they possibly can to give you the very best experience. Their team, including Dr. Moore, went outside of their normal operations to help me in a time of need. At a time when sometimes it's easy to feel like "you're just a number," Wilmington Endodontics is a great example of the opposite: where you're treated with respect and given the utmost attention to quality of care. While I hope I don't have to go back for another root canal - I certainly would return to Dr. Moore and Wilmington Endodontics, and will tell my friends and family the same. A HUGE thank you to this team for their quick action on an emergency procedure before my wedding!
C B
3 years ago
The office staff was extremely rude and non-supportive. The appointment was supposed to be for guidance to help make decisions about treatment plan. Instead received various scenarios without definitive guidance. Between hateful employee and questions left unanswered, not a productive appointment.
Mary Neal
3 years ago
I waited an entire month for an appointment. No one told me to come in early for paperwork or sent me any paperwork to complete in advance. It was only as I was leaving my house for the appointment that the office called to say I would not have time to complete the paperwork without disrupting their schedule. They offered for me to come and sit and wait to be worked in whenever they could. I prefer to get off on the right foot with a new professional, and I am deeply disappointed at the lack of appropriate administrative management. I can't comment on Dr. Moore. I'm sure he is good but the office personnel are lacking from my experience.
E K
3 years ago
If you're looking for a fantastic end-to-end endodontist experience, look no further than Wilmington Endodontics. This team of friendly, caring and all-around helpful professionals will do whatever they possibly can to give you the very best experience. Their team, including Dr. Moore, went outside of their normal operations to help me in a time of need. At a time when sometimes it's easy to feel like "you're just a number," Wilmington Endodontics is a great example of the opposite: where you're treated with respect and given the utmost attention to quality of care. While I hope I don't have to go back for another root canal - I certainly would return to Dr. Moore and Wilmington Endodontics, and will tell my friends and family the same. A HUGE thank you to this team for their quick action on an emergency procedure before my wedding!
C B
3 years ago
The office staff was extremely rude and non-supportive. The appointment was supposed to be for guidance to help make decisions about treatment plan. Instead received various scenarios without definitive guidance. Between hateful employee and questions left unanswered, not a productive appointment.
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