Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate infection, prevent future bacterial contamination, and preserve your natural tooth. During the procedure, infected or inflamed tissue is removed, the canals are cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed to promote healing. Most treatments are completed in one or two visits and are followed by a permanent restoration, often a crown, to protect the tooth and restore function. A follow-up examination is typically recommended after one year to confirm healing.
Root Canal Retreatment
Occasionally, a root canal–treated tooth may not heal completely or can become re-infected due to persistent bacteria, a leaking restoration, recurrent decay, or a crack in the tooth. In these cases, root canal retreatment may be recommended. Retreatment involves removing the previous filling material, thoroughly disinfecting the canals, addressing any missed anatomy or sources of infection, and resealing the root canal system. This procedure can often eliminate infection, promote healing, and preserve the natural tooth for many years.
Apicoectomy
When infection cannot be predictably treated with conventional root canal therapy or retreatment, endodontic surgery may be recommended. During an apicoectomy, the infected tissue and tip of the root are removed, and the end of the root is sealed to prevent reinfection. This procedure can often preserve a natural tooth that might otherwise require extraction.
traumatic Injury and Cracked Teeth Management
Endodontists are specially trained to treat traumatic dental injuries, including fractured, displaced, and knocked-out teeth. Prompt treatment is critical and can greatly improve the chances of saving the tooth and supporting structures. Sensitivity to cold, biting, or chewing may be an early sign of a cracked tooth. Because cracks can worsen over time and lead to infection or tooth loss, early diagnosis and treatment offer the best opportunity to preserve your natural tooth.
Emergency Treatment
Tooth infections may develop without symptoms or can cause sudden pain, swelling, and pressure. Emergency endodontic treatment is focused on relieving pain, controlling infection, and preserving the natural tooth. Through root canal disinfection, appropriate medications when needed, and modern anesthetic techniques, treatment can be performed comfortably and effectively.
Revascularization/Regeneration
When an immature tooth becomes infected, root development can stop prematurely, leaving the tooth weaker and more prone to fracture. Revascularization, or regenerative endodontic therapy, disinfects the root canal while encouraging the growth of new vital tissue. This may allow continued root development, strengthening the tooth and improving its long-term prognosis. Regenerative endodontics is an exciting advancement that harnesses the body’s natural healing potential to preserve developing teeth.
Internal Bleaching
Teeth can become discolored from trauma, pulpal degeneration, or previous dental treatment. Internal bleaching is a conservative procedure that lightens a root canal–treated tooth from the inside by placing a whitening agent within the tooth. Unlike traditional whitening treatments that affect multiple teeth externally, internal bleaching targets a single discolored tooth and can often restore a natural appearance without the need for more extensive restorative treatment.