Root Canal Safety
The relationship of our teeth and mouth to overall good health is indisputable. Endodontics plays a critical role in maintaining good oral health by eliminating infection and pain, and preserving our natural dentition.
A key responsibility of any dentist is to reassure patients who are concerned about the safety of endodontic treatment that their overall well-being is a top priority. The American Association of Endodontists website (www.aae.org) is the best place for anxious patients to obtain comprehensive information on the safety and efficacy of endodontics and root canal treatment.
While plenty of good information is available online from the AAE and other reliable resources, patients sometimes arrive in the dental office with misinformation. This has occurred with the long-dispelled “focal infection theory” in endodontics, introduced in the early 1900s. In the 1920s, Dr. Weston A. Price presented research suggesting that bacteria trapped in dentinal tubules during root canal treatment could “leak” and cause almost any type of generative systemic disease (e.g., arthritis; diseases of the kidney, heart, nervous, gastroinestinal, endocrine and other systems). This was before medicine understood the causes of such disease.
Dr. Price advocated tooth extraction—the most traumatic dental procedure—over endodontic treatment. This theory resulted in a frightening era of tooth extraction both for treatment of systemic disease and as a prophylactic measure against future illness. Dr. Price’s 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.
Decades of research have contradicted Dr. Price’s findings since then. In 1951, the Journal of the American Dental Association published 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. The JADA reviewed Dr. Price’s 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.
More recent research continues to support the safety of dental treatment as it relates to overall systemic health. In 2007, the American Heart Association updated its guidelines on the prevention of infective endocarditis, drastically curbing the indications for premedication for dental procedures and excluding endodontic treatment from dental procedures requiring premedication. In April 2012, the AHA found no scientific evidence linking periodontal disease and heart disease, concluding that heart disease and periodontal disease often coincidentally occur in the same person due to common risk factors of smoking, age and diabetes mellitus.
Decades of research contradict the beliefs of “focal infection” proponents; there is no valid, scientific evidence linking endodontically treated teeth and systemic disease. Yet some patients still hear about this long-dispelled theory.
Everything about my dental experience with Dr. Day and her office staff was first class. I have complete confidence in Doctor Day. I don't like to go to any dentist office, but, I felt right at home and knew I was in the best hands. - Lyle C I had such a wonderful experience with this office. Took such great care of me! - Skyler W The procedure was quick and relatively painless. The staff is friendly and kind. The aftercare instructions were very helpful. I highly recommend this practice - Judy B very professional and spotless office. painless root canal no pain since procedure. highly recommend. - STEVEN W Everyone was very nice and supportive. I really appreciated how they took the time to explain the procedure and put me at ease. Also, it was so interesting and relaxing watching the birds visiting their bird feeder the window. - Sherry D I am very satisfied with Dr. Day and her staff's root canal treatment. Very professional and pleasant office atmosphere. - Linda I Great experience. Professional staff, painless procedure. - Jeff W Dr. Day and the whole staff were very professional. The procedure was painless. Root canal therapy isn't fun, but if you must have one, I highly recommend Dr. Day. Today was the second time she has performed this procedure on me and both times were pretty routine. - Mark H I've had a number of root canals over the years at different dentists and will say that I have never experienced as high a degree of competence and professionalism as I have with Dr. Day and her team. Highly recommended! - Patrick T Staff was very professional, friendly and well organized. As Dr Day said before the procedure the root canal, contrary to hear say, was no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Thank You. - George C Very friendly and professional. Thank you. - Michael U I was impressed with all aspects of my experience. The office was clean and comfortable. The office staff was friendly and efficient. Dr. Day has a friendly, professional manner that reassured me that I was going to be well cared for, and that is what happened. Two days out I feel great and very thankful. I would highly recommend Dr. Day's Office to a friend. - Kirk P From the time I arrived it was definitely the right choice, super friendly environment and professional manners across the board.
Having a root canal wasn’t at the top of my list of things to endure but it truly was painless and very quick, clean, and informative.
Highly recommend - Bill R I cant express enough how calm Dr. Day made me feel. Im usually not a fan of anything dental but I absolutely felt no pain during my root canal or the day after I was home. Dr. Day and her staff are very friendly and make you feel welcome and calm. I had a few root canals done with Dr. Day and I will always go back if needed. Thank you Dr. Day and staff. - Wendy R Dentist of any kind cause anxiety for me! Jamie was amazing. ️ Made me feel completely at ease, explained everything as she was going along and I felt no discomfort during or after the procedure!! Her office and her staff is top notch as well. Highly recommend her!!! - Sheila D First root canal I’ve had and itbwas as described by Dr. Days assistant. No worse than getting a filling, better even perhaps.
When numbing went away I had no pain.
The office was very clean, modern, and professional. I felt very comfortable with the entire procedure.
For a root canal it was a nice experience. - Matt O Dr. Day and her Staff are amazing! They were very punctual, friendly, and competent. There was minimal pain and all of my questions and concerns were addressed. They provided me with an after hours phone number at which I could reach Dr. Day if needed. The office was very clean and comfortable with K-Love Radio playing and beautiful cardinals, woodpeckers, and other birds feeding at the window. They even offer a 1-year follow-up x-ray and exam of the treated tooth, at no charge. - Mindy B Office directions given on the telephone by staff member were easy to follow. Office staff was very friendly and helpful. I had two root canals and had to have two appointments. The day after the procedures a member of the office staff telephoned me to see how I was doing and if I had any concerns. Dr. Day was very friendly and explained the procedures to my satisfaction. - REVA H Very quick and painless root canal! I experienced no pain or discomfort. The entire staff was very professional and friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Day to friends and family. - Leisa M Dr. Jamie Day and staff are second to none. My treatment was painless, staff very caring and I received 5 star service from everyone.
I highly recommend Dr. Jamie Day. - Cheri CJamie M. Day, DDS, MS, PLLC
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