TREATMENT EXPLANATIONS
Evaluations & Consultations
Every patient comes to our offices with different needs. First visits begin with a comprehensive evaluation. Each patient is interviewed to discuss symptoms, health history and review potential treatment. Digital X-rays give the doctor a clear view of the “root of the problem.“ Once an individual treatment plan is made, an appointment is scheduled to get you back to a healthy smile.
Root Canal Treatment
Non-Surgical root canal treatment involves the endodontist making an access opening in the crown of the tooth to locate and remove access the injured or infected pulp material inside the root. Once the pulp is removed, the canal is cleaned and shaped using very small instruments. The endodontist then fills the canal to seal it closed.
Root Canal Retreatment
Teeth treated endodontically can last for many years. But sometimes the tooth does not heal as expected, new infection jeopardizes the tooth, restoration of the treated tooth was delayed, or for a host of other reasons a tooth may need retreatment. During the procedure the dentist removes previous restoration, cleans the canals, refills them and restores the tooth.
Minimally Invasive Microsurgery
Surgical root canals are needed for various reasons such as: persistent bacteria or external root biofilm; “calcification” of the root or any situation that would make non surgical rootcanal treatment not possible. During a surgical root canal, the dentist opens the gum tissue. The treatment then occurs to the exposed root end and/or the surrounding bone tissue.
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Cracked Teeth
When the outer hard tissues of the tooth are cracked, chewing can cause movement of the tooth pieces and the pulp can become irritated. When biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in a momentary sharp pain. Irritation of the dental pulp can be repeated many times by chewing. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged to the point that it can no longer heal itself. The tooth will not only hurt when chewing but may also become sensitive to temperature extremes. In time, a cracked tooth may begin to hurt all by itself. Extensive cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue, which can spread to the bone and gum tissue surrounding the tooth.
Internal Bleaching
Endodontists commonly perform internal, or non-vital, bleaching. It is used to lighten a darkly discolored tooth that has had root canal therapy. A chemical oxidizing agent is placed within the coronal portion of a tooth to lighten tooth discoloration. This is performed in the dental office using a procedure known as "chair side bleach." In this procedure, a whitening agent is placed inside the tooth, left for a period of time, and then removed before the patient leaves the office. This may be done once or several times, depending upon the discoloration of the tooth.
Another method is known as "walking bleach". In this procedure, whitening agent is placed inside the tooth, left for several days and then the patient returns to the dental office to have it removed. Again, this procedure may be performed one or more times, depending upon the discoloration of the tooth.
FEQUENTLY aSKED qUESTIONS
Who is an Endodontist or Root Canal Specialist?
Why do I need a Root Canal?
Will it hurt to have a Root Canal?
What should I expect?
Why not just pull the tooth?
How are you different from other Endodontists?