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.
I have had at least 4 root canals over the last 20 years. This was the first time I was referred to an endodontic specialist. Dr. Day was fast, smooth, and thorough. I've never had such a good experience with this kind of work. I highly recommend Dr. Day. - Robert M I've had 3 root canals from Dr. Day over the years. If you need a root canal she is the best! Look no further. She explains everything, is friendly and kind, knowledgeable and efficient. I wouldn't go anywhere else! She is amazing! - Marilyn M Very quick and painless
No pain at all, in and out in 45 min
Great experience - Scott R Dr. Jamie Day is awesome. She makes sure I'm comfortable and continuously monitors my reactions for any signs of discomfort. This is my second root canal from Dr. J. Day. The first was successful and I'm confident this one will be also. She and Dr. Rebecca Day have restored my faith in dentistry. Pain Free Dental Work from these two Dentists! - Paula D Very pleased with office visit, courtesy of Dr. Day, Megan, and Kristin (front office person), and root canal. Tooth still healing and seems to be doing well. I would reccommend Dr. Day to my family. - Linda I Would highly recommend Dr Days office. I was a little nervous. No need. I didn't wait long in waiting room. Dental assistant very pleasant doing x rays. Dr Day asked if I had any questions. She was great at numbing. I have had prior experiences that were not pleasant. This was not the case. Dr. Day performed quickly and efficiently and I was on my way. Little to no discomfort after the procedure. No need for any pain meds. Best experience if you have to have this done. - Kimberly C Very good experience.
I like how you kept calling me if you had a cancellation. - Lu D If having a root canal could possibly be a pleasant experience, this was a pleasant experience. I never felt pain, nor discomfort the entire time. I felt at ease while Dr. Day was working on my tooth and I would trust her to work on my teeth at any time. - Rick S My dentist made my appointment with Dr. Day for a root canal. He highly recommended her, and I had heard many good things from others about her expertise. Professional (including office staff), personable and the procedure was over before I knew it. Would highly recommend! Thank you, Dr. Day! - Eunice KAY K I feel so much better. Thank you, thank you. - Becky B. Great! Informs you of what she is going to do and is as pain free as you can get. - Danny D 10/10 care! Thank you - Jennifer S Going to the dentist is pure torture for me--I have a dentist phobia but this experience turned out to not be the torture that I had expected.
Thank you for very good service! - Kay T Was a very relaxing atmosphere, with Christian music playing in the background, which was awesome. Staff was super friendly. Staff called to check on me the next day - LaDonna R I had never had a root canal and Dr. Day was helpful with answering questions beforehand. The actual procedure was extremely easy and pain free, I immediately knew that she was skilled at her profession. The staff was great and the receptionist got me in on the same day! She was also great with answering my insurance questions and followed up with a quote.
I would highly recommend this practice for a root canal, and I’m sure they would be great for others too. - Joseph S Dr. Day and her staff were very friendly and professional. - Jim K would definitely recommend this office to all my friends. Very friendly informative staff and dentist was great! - melody w I felt like I was in good hands,great job, thank you! - Mark G Everyone in this office was very professional and pleasant. I was made aware of possible after care issues and how to treat them. An after hours number was provided just in case. There were no issues experienced. A call was received the following day checking as to whether I was experiencing any issues.
I highly recommend Dr. Day's practice. - Glenn S Great staff, nice facility. Will definitely use them in the future. - David RJamie M. Day, DDS, MS, PLLC
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