General Information

Endodontic FAQ San Jose CA

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or "root canal" contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.

I'm Worried About X-Rays. Should I Be?

No. While x-rays will be necessary during your treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to co-therapists via e-mail or diskette. For more information contact our office

What About Infection?

Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

What New Technologies are Being Used?

The Statement of “Minimally Invasive” is a play on words to most. Some may ask ”how can you use the word minimally, when a procedure is Invasive by its nature”...

Well, the biggest trend, that has been ubiquitous throughout the surgical fields of Medicine and Dentistry, has been the advantages in techniques related to the use of technological advancements of materials and instrumentation.

This progressive wave of innovation allows trained practitioners to provide higher levels of predictability with reduced levels of surgical effect to the patient’s natural homeostasis.

The following are some examples of how our Attending Doctors, who are also University Faculty, will help get your case done with fewer appointments than traditionally expected, using highly advanced procedures and instrumentation to provide the most comfort, with less overall expense to you.

  • The use of smaller instrumentation for surgery, combined with the simultaneous use of microscopes, allows us to provide more accurate diagnosis and faster resolution to complicated cases.
  • The use of highly advanced, biologically engineered materials for bone and tissue augmentation help reduce the over-all healing times.
  • The use of integrated micro instrumentation, digital radiography and computer fabricated surgical guides nearly bloodless surgeries can be accomplished to a wider audience of patients (making surgeries safer for those patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, medical limitations and even taking blood thinners).
  • The highly advanced science of pharmacology and outpatient medical devices aids our trained Team to provide customized therapies of anesthesia, sedation and post-op medicines to help patients have a more comfortable and predictable experience throughout their care with us.