Endodontics

Endodontics

We understand that root canals may sound frightening, but what’s even more frightening is living every day with distracting pain. The truth is that root canals are not nearly as bad as they’ve been made out to be by the media, and that any pain you’re suffering now is worse than the treatment itself.

After dental school, Endodontists complete additional dental training that allows them to perform simple and complex procedures, including root canal therapy. Thanks to modern technology, endodontists can now often save your natural tooth when a diseased nerve threatens its health, whereas before, it almost always had to be removed. Our specialists will extract the inner part of the tooth, removing the damage, and sealing it up with a naturally looking crown.

What are Common Symptoms of Endodontic Problems?

• Inflammation & tenderness in the gums
• Teeth that are overly sensitive to hot & cold temperatures
• Tenderness while chewing & biting
• Tooth discoloration
• Unexplained pain the nearby lymph nodes

Why are Endodontic Treatments Necessary?

There’s no substitute for your natural smile. When disease creeps in, root canal therapy is performed to eliminate pain and damage, while saving your natural tooth.

Tooth damage can be the result of a number off actors. Some of the most common are:

Bacterial Infections - When bacteria invade the tooth pulp through tiny fissures in the teeth, inflammation and infection can occur, putting your tooth at risk and potentially leading to abscesses. As the most common cause of endodontic issues, this can be the result of tooth decay in general or an injury.

Fractures and chips - When a large part of the surface or crown of your tooth has become detached, the pulp is left exposed. This can be painful and problematic making root canal therapy necessary.

Injuries - A direct or indirect blow to the mouth can dislodge a tooth from its socket, occasionally making root canal therapy a necessary next step for restoring oral health.

Removals- If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the socket, time is of the essence. It’s crucial to rinse the tooth, being careful to hold it by the crown, and then place it back into the socket as soon as possible. If you’re unable to do so, put the tooth in milk or a dental solution available at pharmacies. These steps keep the inner tooth moist and alive until emergency dental treatment can be sought. The tooth will be affixed in its socket using a special splint and the endodontist will perform root canal therapy to save the natural tooth.

What is The Endodontic Procedure Like?

It usually takes one to three visits to perform root canal therapy. First, our professional team will take an x-ray of your mouth to identify signs of infection. We’ll then thoroughly clean the affected area and give you a local anesthetic or sedation to ensure you’re comfortable during the process.

Next, we will remove the infected pulp and flush out the area to make sure all infection is eliminated, setting you up for a clean slate with your oral health. We’ll then use gutta-percha, a biocompatible material similar to rubber, to fill the open space. Cement is applied to seal off the root canal and a temporary filling will be placed. During the final visit, a permanent restoration or crown will be placed on the tooth, making it look and feel as good as new.

After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and require some time to heal. Our team will prescribe antibiotics as well as the proper medication to help your immune system eliminate any surviving bacteria.

Although a root canal may not sound like the most fun way to spend an afternoon, it’s necessary to make sure you can enjoy a pain-free and healthy lifestyle. We’ll make sure you feel completely at ease during the process and heal quickly so that you can get back to enjoying life to the fullest.

Related Dental Services

• Cracked Tooth
• Root Canal Retreatment
• Root Canal Therapy