Diagnostic consultation
Each patient is treated in a unique manner. We listen carefully and closely, do a clinical and radiographic examination before making any recommendations. Sometimes the diagnostic procedures will be lengthy and can take more time than is anticipated.
Endodontic therapy – Root canal therapy
Root canals are most often necessary when the inner tissue of the root becomes inflamed or infected. Endodontic treatment removes the damaged tissue, then cleans the area and fills the space (the canal) to preserve the tooth. Our office utilizes the state of art technology such as digital imaging, operating microscope, ultrasonic instrumentation and fiber optics. In some cases, non-surgical treatment alone will not heal the tooth.
Retreatment Endodontic Therapy
On occasion a tooth that has had a “root canal” fails to heal properly – for various different reasons. Many times, when this happens, the root canal can be done over, saving the tooth from extraction. Endodontists have advanced training in root canal techniques and complicated procedures such as retreatments, which are often more difficult than the original treatment. We are happy to discuss, in detail, the chances of success before the procedure to assist you with making an informed decision.
Endodontic Surgery
Surgery may be an option necessary to save your functioning natural tooth. Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural tooth. The most common surgical endodontic treatment is called apicoectomy (root-end resection) followed with a root-end filling. An apicoectomy removes the inflamed and/or infected tissue and end of the root. The gum tissue has to be retracted, the root end is removed, and a filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal (retro filling). Sutures are placed in the gums to help with adaptation. The surgical procedure is with local anesthetics which will make the procedure comfortable. On occasion as with any surgical procedure, there may be some slight swelling. Recommendations and medications will be provided to reduce swelling and/or discomfort.
Intentional Endodontics
On occasion, teeth with normal pulps may need root canal therapy. Examples are, hypererupted teeth, drifted teeth and teeth that need post and core to increase crown retention. In most instances, Intentional Endodontics is performed for restorative or esthetic reasons.
Apexification
Management of a pulpless permanent tooth with a wide open root can be a challenge. When a tooth with an incompletely formed root end becomes non-vital or when root end disease has developed, apexification may be the treatment of choice. There are several techniques that can be utilized to induce root end closure.
Internal tooth bleaching
Bleaching is one of the simplest least invasive and least expensive means to lighten discolored teeth. Internal bleaching is bleaching that is performed on pulpless teeth that have had root canal therapy. In some instances, bleaching can create dramatic changes in tooth appearance even in a single visit or it may need to be done in conjunction with other esthetic procedures.