Endodontics
Our skilled endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating root canal issues, preserving infected teeth, relieving pain, and restoring dental health with advanced techniques and precision.
Save an infected or damaged tooth with our precise procedure that removes infected pulp, relieves pain, and restores tooth health for a functional and pain-free smile.
Table of Contents
Before & Afters
Endodontics
At The Practice, we realize that dental health is essential for well-being and are committed to providing comprehensive care to our patients. As part of our services, we offer quality endodontic treatments, including root canals and endodontic surgery. We will explore the discipline, its importance in preserving natural teeth, and how our adept team can help you achieve optimal dental health.
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions related to the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. The dental pulp inside the tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, playing a crucial role in tooth development. However, when it becomes infected or damaged, it can cause severe pain and lead to further oral health issues if untreated.
Why is Endodontics Important?
Endodontic treatments, such as root canals and endodontic surgery, are vital in preserving natural teeth and preventing the need for extractions. Rather than removing a tooth, the procedures aim to save it by treating the underlying cause of pain or infection. By addressing dental pulp-related issues, endodontics can alleviate discomfort, restore dental functionality, and improve oral health.
Root Canal Treatment
A standard endodontic procedure to save a tooth that has been damaged or infected. It involves the removal of the putrid or inflamed dental pulp, disinfection of the canal system, and filling the space with a biocompatible material. At The Practice, our endodontists perform root canal treatments with precision and care, ensuring the best possible outcome for our patients.
When is a Root Canal Necessary?
The procedure becomes necessary when the dental pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. Common signs that indicate the need for a root canal include persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages, swelling, and tenderness in the surrounding gum tissue. If you experience these symptoms, seek prompt dental attention to prevent further complications.
What Does the Root Canal Procedure Involve?
The endodontist will first administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. Next, a small access opening is drilled in the tooth to reach the infected pulp. The damaged pulp is removed, and the root canal system is cleaned and disinfected. Once the canal is prepared, it is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, and the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown for added protection and resilience.
Endodontic Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to save a tooth that has not responded well to non-surgical treatment or when an anatomical complexity requires more advanced intervention.
Our endodontic specialists at The Practice perform surgeries, such as apicoectomy and root-end resection, with the utmost precision.
What is Endodontic Surgery?
This type of surgery involves accessing the tooth’s root to remove infected tissue, address root fractures or blockages, and promote surrounding tissue healing. It is performed under local anesthesia.
Endodontic surgery is often recommended when a traditional root canal cannot treat the underlying issue, such as persistent infection or calcified canals.
How is Endodontic Surgery Performed?
An apicoectomy, a root-end resection, is the most common endodontic surgery. During this procedure, our endodontist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the underlying bone and the tooth’s root tip.
The infected or damaged tissue is removed, and the root end is shaped and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection. The gum tissue is then sutured back into place, allowing for proper healing.
Conclusion
At The Practice, we distinguish the preservation of natural teeth and the well-being of our patients. Our comprehensive endodontic services, including root canal treatments and surgery, aim to resolve dental pulp-related issues, alleviate pain, and promote long-term oral health.
If you experience signs of dental pulp infection or damage, schedule a consultation with our experienced endodontic team. We provide the highest quality care and ensure your dental health remains in proficient hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treatment is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring it is pain-free. Afterward, some mild discomfort or sensitivity may be experienced, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and subsides within a few days.
The duration depends on factors such as the complexity of the case and the tooth being treated. Often, a root canal treatment can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
In some cases, retreatment of the root canal may be attempted, where the previous filling material is removed, and the root canal is cleaned and filled again. Alas, if retreatment is not feasible or unsuccessful, endodontic surgery might be recommended.
