All dentists, including your general dentist, received training in endodontic treatment in dental school. General dentists can perform endodontic procedures along with other procedures but often they refer patients needing endodontic treatment to endodontists. Endodontists are dentists with special training in endodontic procedures. To become specialists, they complete dental school and an additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including endodontic surgery. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp tissue inside the tooth, consisting of nerve tissue, blood vessels,and connective tissuebecomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, a blow to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontists instructions carefully.
The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment fails to heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when that happens, another endodontic procedure can save the tooth.
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may discover very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial procedure.
Most teeth can be treated. Occasionally, a tooth can't be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn't have adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. And when endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth.
The most common endodontic surgical procedure is called an apicoectomy or root-end resection. When the inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after endodontic treatment, your endodontist may perform an apicoectomy. In this procedure, the endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to expose the underlying root, and the infected tissue is removed. The very end of the root is removed and a small filling isplaced at the root end to seal the root canal. Local anesthetics make the procedure comfortable, and most patients return to their normal activities the next day.
When the pulp of the tooth is damaged, the only alternative to endodontic treatment is extraction of the tooth. To restore chewing function and to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, the extracted tooth must be replaced with an implant or a bridge. This requires surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth and can be far more costly and time-consuming than endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth. No matter how effective modern tooth replacements are-and they can be very effective-nothing is as good as a natural tooth.
Reviews
Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 24 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRobert Kowalewski
a year ago
I had a root canal here about a month ago. I had complications from it. Dr. Carter was helpful after the procedure. I had some more issues with a different tooth and my dentist was not sure what the issue was so she sent me here. Dr. Carter was helpful again.
Thomas Cloutier (Rivaltomass)
2 years ago
Had a root canal done and was very comfortable great team
Kimberly Macdonald
2 years ago
Had my root canal done by Dr. Carter who explained to me the process, and made time for me with only three weeks before my wedding! I felt so comfortable and taken care of by the entire team. Channy (hope I spelled it right!) was amazing, she made me feel relaxed during a moment that otherwise could have been scary. Thank you everyone for the incredible experience. I knew I was in good hands from the consult appointment!
Kevin Litt
2 years ago
Dr. Ly and her team were exceptional! As someone who does not look forward to having a root canal she handled everything with patience, composure and expertise. Highly recommend if you're nervous or have had a bad experience in the past at a different clinic.
Jennifer Manolakis
2 years ago
Dr. Carter was absolutely amazing . Had an emergency root canal done . I called and his office took me in immediately. Not only that he was very caring throughout the whole process abs highly recommend him .
andrew richards
2 years ago
Fell asleep during a root canal the team was awesome and the music is so soothing
Kevin Litt
3 years ago
Dr. Ly and her team were exceptional! As someone who does not look forward to having a root canal she handled everything with patience, composure and expertise. Highly recommend if you're nervous or have had a bad experience in the past at a different clinic.
Jennifer Manolakis
3 years ago
Dr. Carter was absolutely amazing . Had an emergency root canal done . I called and his office took me in immediately. Not only that he was very caring throughout the whole process abs highly recommend him .
andrew richards
3 years ago
Fell asleep during a root canal the team was awesome and the music is so soothing
Pam Tierney
3 years ago
I had a root canal performed by Dr.Gilad Dr. Gilad was extremely knowledgeable, competent and kind. He also took extra measures to ensure I did not experience any pain during the procedure. My last root canal was over 30 years ago and required 2 visits. It's amazing how the technology has changed. The entire procedure was completed in less than an hour.
Jessica Corddry
3 years ago
I absolutely loved it. I have had terrible experience with my teeth, dentists and services in the past. This place was amazing. They were great. I can't say enough good things. Just make the appointment.
Katerynne Patino
3 years ago
The doctors were recommended a lot by my friends and dentists, but I didn't even have the opportunity to meet them because the receptionist was so rude I didn't even want to go.
Kimmie Bryan
3 years ago
Had my root canal consult with Dr. Carter this morning. Very nice, knowledgeable and thorough. Made me feel comfortable about what needs to be to done. His assistant Diane, is very nice as well.
Kimmie Bryan
4 years ago
Had my root canal consult with Dr. Carter this morning. Very nice, knowledgeable and thorough. Made me feel comfortable about what needs to be to done. His assistant Diane, is very nice as well.
Jessica Corddry
4 years ago
I absolutely loved it. I have had terrible experience with my teeth, dentists and services in the past. This place was amazing. They were great. I can't say enough good things. Just make the appointment.
Pam Tierney
4 years ago
I had a root canal performed by Dr.Gilad Dr. Gilad was extremely knowledgeable, competent and kind. He also took extra measures to ensure I did not experience any pain during the procedure. My last root canal was over 30 years ago and required 2 visits. It's amazing how the technology has changed. The entire procedure was completed in less than an hour.
Katerynne Patino
4 years ago
The doctors were recommended a lot by my friends and dentists, but I didn't even have the opportunity to meet them because the receptionist was so rude I didn't even want to go.
Scott MacNeil
4 years ago
Date of review 7-25-2019 On 6-24-2019 Dr Jack Gilad performed a root canal on me. I've never had one before. I am Very disappointed and concerned!! From this procedure it has either Caused or triggered something where I get terrible pain in opening my mouth. I have called several times and returned Twice!! I am Not confident they can even diagnose what is wrong with my mouth. I have barely even heard back from them - A Month later!! I wish I had Not gone and do Not plan to return! Scott.
zephyrbadge
4 years ago
Clean, pleasant, professional. Very positive experience. Location is a little hard to find, back door of the mill building (west entry) will get you there.
Josh McAnistan
4 years ago
Just left this office and I had a great first experience! Everything was perfect, starting with ladys at the front desk, who were super nice and helpful. Dr. Dieu T. Ly and her assistant who's name I do not remember (a very pretty, young blonde girl) are an amazing team. I've never seen two people work so well together. My root canal was quick and painless. Highly recommend!
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