Faculty Practice: Endodontics

Providers

Dr. Nestor Cohenca received his dental degrees from the National University of Asuncion, Paraguay. In 1994 he graduated cum laude and received the Ino Sciaky Best Graduate Student Award for achievements in the Endodontic Program at the Hebrew University. He is a Board Diplomate from the Israel Board of Endodontics and served for 12 years as faculty at the Department of Endodontics, Hebrew University Hadassah Faculty of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.  He served as a Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Surgical, Therapeutic and Bioengineering Sciences and Coordinator of Trauma at the Center for Urgent Care, Trauma and Sports Dentistry, USC School of Dentistry. He is Past-President of the Israel Endodontic Society and former member of the National Board of Examiners in Endodontics. Currently he is Clinical Assistant Professor at the Department of Endodontics and Chair of the Faculty Practice Board of the School of Dentistry at the University of Washington.  He also serves as Editorial Board Member of the Dental Traumatology Journal. He has published several clinical and scientific articles and lectures both nationally and internationally.

Scope of Practice:

What is an endodontist?

• Endodontists complete four years of dental school and two or more years of advanced training in endodontics.
• Endodontists treat problems related to damaged tissue inside the tooth.
• Endodontists are specialists in: performing root canals; retreating failed root canals and related infections; diagnosing and treating oral and facial pain; saving natural teeth and treating injured teeth after trauma.

• Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp (soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes inflamed or infected as a result of: injury; deep decay; repeated dental procedures; or a cracked or chipped tooth.

• Root canals do not cause pain—they relieve pain.
• Patients who have had root canals performed by an endodontist are six times more likely to describe them as “painless” than those who have never had a root canal.
• With new technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment is similar to having a cavity filled.
• Root canals can usually be completed in a single visit by an endodontist.
• Eighty-five percent of patients who have had a root canal performed by an endodontist would return to an endodontist for future work.
• Root canals do not cause illness.

• Root canals save nearly 16 million teeth annually.
• Root canals performed by endodontists are a better and common alternative to tooth extraction.
• Americans feel strongly about keeping their natural teeth.
• Seventy-six percent prefer a root canal to tooth extraction.
• One-third would not sell a healthy front tooth for any amount of money.

• During root canal treatment, the endodontist:
• Removes the inflamed or infected pulp; cleans and shapes the inside of the canals (channels inside the tooth); and fills and seals the canal space.
• After a root canal, the endodontist returns the patient to a general dentist to have a crown placed or other restorative
  work performed, as soon as possible.
• After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

• It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area for a few days after
  root canal treatment.
• Symptoms are temporary and you can often find relief from over-the-counter medication.
• For a short time after your root canal treatment, your tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth.
• Care should be taken when chewing or biting on the treated tooth until you have had it permanently restored by your dentist.
• Feel free to contact your endodontist at any time with questions or concerns.

• With proper emergency action, a tooth that has been entirely knocked out of its socket often can be successfully replanted and last for years. 
• Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root.
• Rinse the tooth with water.
• Reposition the tooth into the socket, if possible.
• If not possible, keep the tooth moist (use milk or keep it inside your cheek).
• See an endodontist within 30 minutes of the injury or accident.

• Your tooth is sensitive to heat or cold;
• Your tooth feels tender to touch or when chewing; or
• You experience swelling of the mouth or face.