Endodontics

Treatment Types

Consultation/2nd Opinion

We as endodontists work closely with your general dentist in many ways. Sometimes to give a second opinion or a consultation regarding a specific situation such as:

  1. Determine whether or not a tooth requires root canal therapy
  2. Determine the prognosis of a given tooth
  3. Diagnose the origin of pain and specific treatment
  4. Diagnose the presence of a crack as well as the severity of the cracked tooth which can determine possible treatment.

** Regardless of whether treatment is rendered we are always in contact with your general dentist after the consultation.

** If treatment is completed we will require you to return to your general dentist. A final report along with X-rays will be sent to your general dentist.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed, almost 15 million cases every year. This treatment can save your tooth and prevent the need for extraction and costly replacements. There are many reasons why a root canal may be indicated. It can be from trauma, deep decay, crack or repeated dental work on the same tooth. 

Symptoms may include sensitivity to hot or cold, pain upon biting or spontaneous pain. In some cases, there may be no pain at all, but an infection is present. A thorough examination with x-rays will help form a diagnosis. If a root canal is indicated it involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits. We have many ways to achieve profound anesthesia and our office thrives on making you as comfortable as possible. In addition, we can provide oral sedation for our more anxious patients. 

Root Canal Therapy is very successful, but as with any medical or dental procedure, success can vary with each individual case. The success is also dependent upon following up with your general dentist in a timely manner. They will provide a permanent restoration and seal for the root canal.

Root Canal Retreatment

With the appropriate care, your teeth that have had previous root canals can last as long as your other natural teeth. Yet, a tooth that has received treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to exist. At times the pain may occur months or years after the initial treatment. If so, retreatment of the previous root canal may be indicated. This would entail removing the previous root canal material, cleaning out the roots and refilling the roots. Again it is essential to follow up with your general dentist in a timely manner. They will provide a permanent restoration and seal for the retreated root canal.

Surgical Endodontics

Most of the time a root canal will be successful in preserving the tooth. However, occasionally this treatment alone is not sufficient to alleviate the pain or infection. Sometimes endodontic surgery/apicoectomy is the best way or only way to maintain your tooth. 

An incision is made in the gums to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the very end of the root tip. 

A root-end filling is placed to prevent re-infection of the tooth. You will leave with multiple sutures and will return in about a week to remove the sutures. Once the source of the infection is removed the bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months. This is at times the final step to save your tooth.