Popular culture often associates lasers with science-fiction weapons or real-life space exploration, but the technology can also be used inside the human body. At the Phoenix Endodontic Group, our endodontists frequently use laser-based tools to assist in root canal treatments.

The practice uses laser technology manufactured by Fontana (SSP and SWEEPS®) and Biolase (Waterlase) at its Phoenix office location. Both brands of tools provide extra assistance in the critical phases of cleaning and disinfecting tooth roots during a root canal treatment.

Lasers Bring Benefits During A Root Canal Treatment

1. The laser can provide initial cleaning in the coronal (crown) area of the tooth. An endodontist will begin a root canal by creating an opening in the crown. The laser can be used in this area of the tooth to remove calcifications and biological debris.

2. The laser can assist cleaning of the root canals. After a canal has been prepared using files or other tools, the endodontist may flood the canal with water and activate the laser while withdrawing the water from the space. The laser creates vapor bubbles, which collapse to form microbubbles and a pressure wave; these phenomena are what clean biofilm from the canals.

3. Laser treatment can also help disinfect the canals as they are being irrigated. Once the endodontist shapes the canals with their files, they will irrigate them with disinfecting liquids. Lasers can be used at this point to augment the disinfection process, with the pressure wave created by the vapor bubbles pushing the disinfectant deep into the canal recesses and generally making the process more effective than the traditional disinfecting step by itself.

4. Finally, lasers can be used to remove the chemical disinfectants prior to filling the canals. After the canals have been cleansed, shaped and disinfected, the laser tool can be used to remove the disinfecting liquid in the canals by activating it for about 30 seconds to vaporize any remaining liquid.

According to Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices at the Phoenix Endodontic Group, “One significant advantage to using lasers during root canals is that they can provide a more thorough removal of bacteria, debris and other materials without the risk of apical (tooth root area) extrusion.” She continues, “We are happy to explain to patients how we use Fontana and Biolase laser technology to enhance the safety and effectiveness of their root canal treatments.” 

When you have a tooth that’s compromised by decay or injury, you need to move quickly to a treatment plan. You may also be suffering some significant pain, which can make it harder to think through your options.

It’s true that general dentists CAN do root canals, but often the best choice is to request a referral to an endodontist. Your general dentist probably has working relationships with several local endodontists, and they can suggest someone who is a good match for your scheduling and clinical needs.

Here are just a few of the many reasons why endodontists are the preferred provider for root canal treatments.

Why Should An Endodontist Do My Root Canal?

1. Endodontists receive several years of additional training. After graduating from dental school, endodontists receive two to three years of additional specialty training, treating diseases of the soft tissues of the teeth, including the nerve pulp.
2. Endodontists perform root canals more frequently than general dentists. The average general dentist performs fewer than two root canals a week; the average endodontist performs 25 per week. This means the endodontist will see a greater range of cases and have more experience in treating a variety of challenges that may emerge during the procedure.
3. Endodontists are trained to use leading-edge technology and microsurgical techniques. Advances in root canal treatment in recent decades have made the procedure successful in more than 90 percent of cases.
4. Endodontists frequently provide clinical consultations to general dentists on tough cases. General dentists, as noted earlier, often partner with nearby endodontists when they have patients who may need a root canal. This relationship means you can trust that the endodontic referral you receive was preceded by a clinical discussion of your specific needs and challenges.

“Root canals comprise most of an endodontist’s caseload – they are the most common treatment we deliver,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Patients can trust our years of specialized training, the techniques and equipment we have access to, as well as our relationships with local general dentists.”

Although root canal treatments have an overall success rate that exceeds 90 percent, patients who have never needed endodontic treatment may be concerned with how much time it will take to recuperate. The good news is that most people can go back to work or school the day after a root canal treatment. However, it often requires two visits to complete a root canal, spaced out over several weeks’ time, depending on individual circumstances.

You can make your recovery after a root canal treatment as smooth as possible by following a few simple guidelines in the hours, days, and weeks after treatment.

Root Canal Treatment Recovery Tips

Hours after your procedure: It’s possible to experience discomfort after your root canal, but this is usually mild to moderate for most people and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You can protect your newly treated tooth by making sure that you:

• Eat soft foods, such as applesauce or yogurt, that require little chewing.
• Avoid hot or crunchy foods.
• Minimize chewing with the tooth that’s been treated.

 Days after your procedure: If you had pain before your procedure, it’s possible you’ll have sensitivity in the tooth that received the root canal treatment. If over-the-counter pain relievers are not effective, you should contact your endodontist for further instructions. Also, while you should immediately resume brushing and flossing after your root canal, take extra special care with the area around the affected tooth so as not to dislodge the temporary filling that the endodontist placed over the root canal to keep it sanitary and protected.

Weeks after your procedure: Any discomfort you have in the days after your root canal should subside quickly. If the pain does not go away, or increases, call your endodontist for a recheck. Pain can be an indicator that the tooth has become re-infected, or has an undetected crack.

Also, you should make an appointment with your endodontist for some weeks after your initial root canal treatment to have a permanent restoration, usually a crown, placed over the top of the treated tooth. This is essential to keeping your natural tooth healthy for a lifetime.

“One of the most essential tools when recovering from a root canal treatment is open communication with your endodontist,” says Dr. Jacqueline S. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Your practitioner can help you understand how your recovery is progressing, and evaluate whether follow-up care is needed.”