Why save your natural teeth?

Nothing looks, feels or functions like your healthy natural tooth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with regular check-ups from your family dentist, can potentially help you to keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.

Sometimes your teeth develop infection or pain due to deep decay, and thus will need additional care. When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your natural teeth. Do not get a tooth removed just because you think it is easier or more cost-effective. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, affect your ability to properly digest food, and adversely affect your smile and confidence. 

Advancements in dentistry nowadays can offer you many treatment options to save your natural teeth. It is important to understand your choices and how they’ll impact both your tooth and your future dental health. It is always best to retain your natural teeth whenever possible and endodontic treatment should be your first choice to restore your tooth to its full function and esthetics.

What is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in saving natural teeth and alleviating tooth pain. Endodontists became specialists by completing additional 2-3 years of advanced training after dental school to master the art of diagnosis and treatment of dental nerve pain. Endodontists on a daily basis do not do cleanings, make crowns or take teeth out because they are at their best when doing root canals, retreating root canals or performing apicoectomies. Endodontists work in collaboration with your family dentist to evaluate your dental condition and to provide the best treatment option to help you save your natural teeth.

How does a root canal save my tooth?

It is necessary to have endodontic or root canal treatment when the inside of your tooth (the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns or a crack or chip in the tooth. Trauma to your tooth may also 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. When you undergo a root canal or other endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterward, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection by your dentist and will continue to function like any other tooth.

Why did your dentist entrust your care to an endodontist?

In addition to advanced education, endodontists also have more experience and efficiency in performing root canals. Endodontists typically complete an average of 25 root canal treatments per week, while general dentists may complete an average of 2. With the help of dental microscopes, ultrasonic instruments, and cone beam CT X-ray, endodontists are capable of performing routine, challenging, as well as very complex root canal procedures, which include root canal retreatment, apicoectomy, and treatment of traumatic dental injuries. Overall, their experience in doing root canals typically leads to shorter appointments and an improved patient experience.

Why choose our team?

When it comes to selecting an endodontist, we know that you have many options. Your dentists referred you to our office because they believe that we will provide you with personalized, gentle, and high-quality endodontic care. 

We know that your time is extremely valuable to you, and that is why we offer extended office hours, personalized dental appointment reminders, and a quick turnaround time on calls and appointment requests. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns in the office, over the phone or via email.

We respect and understand that many patients experience dental anxiety. As a result, we do everything we can to ensure that your experience with us is as positive as possible. By communicating clearly what you can expect before, during and after your treatment, we are often able to alleviate dental fear. We encourage you to bring headphones and music to listen to during your treatment and ask us about dental sedation options.