Providing Quality Endodontic Care
We combine technology with our training and years of experience to ensure that you will receive the best care possible.
A Unique Facility
Not only do we employ the latest technology in our office, but we are in a multi-specialty building with the other five major dental specialties all occupying the same building. We always work closely with the referring general dentist, who oversees the patients overall treatment plan and long term dental care, however, sometimes upon consulting with the dentist, it is determined that the patient should have a consultation/evaluation from another specialist. Increasingly we are faced with patients who require the expertise of not only our specialty, but also of one or more of the other specialists as well. This multi-disciplinary approach to dentistry ensures that we treat all aspects of the problem and assures the highest level of care. Usually we can simply walk down the hall to one of our colleagues offices and expedite this process.
Our office employs the latest technology, including digital x-rays, microscopes, electronic or digital measuring devices, electric (quiet) drills for performing the root canal, and special tools that allow us to fill the canal using a “warm technique”.
We offer, at a nominal charge, Nitrous Oxide (otherwise known as laughing gas) for our patients that need to ease their anxiety. I.V. sedation may be arranged for our younger patients or those that suffer from dental anxieties.
We also offer CBCT Cat Scans for our patients.
Se Habla Español.
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What is an “endodontist”?
An endodontist is a dentist with special training in diagnosing and treating problems associated with the inside of the tooth. They do only endodontic procedures in their practices because they are specialists. To become specialists, they complete dental school and an additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics, one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including retreatment of previous root canals that have not healed completely, as well as endodontic surgery. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.
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What is a root canal?
A procedure used to save an abscessed tooth by removing the dental pulp (nerve) after the tooth is dead or has had the pulp exposed due to cavities or fractures. After the pulp is removed and any infection has been resolved, the hollow area left behind after the nerve is removed is filled in with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Before the days of root canals, most damaged teeth needed to be replaced.
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What is Retreatment?
With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal (endodontic) treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. In some cases, however, a tooth that has received endodontic treatment fails to heal. Occasionally, the tooth becomes painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. If your tooth has not healed or has developed new problems, you have a second chance. Another procedure, endodontic retreatment, may be able to save your tooth. As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:
- Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure.
- Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.
- The placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment.
- The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth.
- In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example:
- New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth.
- A loose, cracked or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection.
- A tooth sustains a fracture.
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What is an apicoectomy or endodontic surgery?
Removal of the very end of the root is called apicoectomy. In this procedure, the endodontist opens the gingival tissue near the tooth to examine the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. A small filling may be placed in the root to seal the end of the root canal, and a few stitches or sutures are placed in the gingiva to help the tissue heal properly. Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root.
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What is the emergency treatment for saving a knocked out tooth?
More than 5 million teeth are knocked out every year. Both adults and children are at risk. With proper emergency action, a tooth that has been entirely knocked out of its socket often can be successfully replanted and last for years. Because of this, it is important to be prepared and know what to do if this happens to you or someone with you. The key is to act quickly, yet calmly, and follow these simple steps. When you click on each step in the diagram below, a description of the action necessary will appear in the bottom left-hand corner.
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Why is my dentist referring me to a specialist?
All dentists, your dentist included, received training in endodontic (root canal) treatment during dental school along with learning all of the other dental procedures. Often they refer patients to a specialist because they believe it is in the patients best interest, due to the difficulty of the treatment, to have a specialist perform the treatment. Endodontist also graduated from dental school, and then completed at least two more years of advanced education in endodontics. They perform routine root canals, as well as more difficult treatment such as re-treatment, apicoectomies and treating traumatic injuries. Endodontic specialist often are consulted to try to find the cause of the pain and to determine if it is originating from a tooth, and if so, which tooth is the culprit.
The best care for your endodontic needs
We combine this technology with our training and years of experience to ensure that you will receive the best care possible.
