What Types of Procedures Do Endodontists Perform?
Endodontists are highly trained dental specialists who complete dental school and an additional two to three years of education. They specialize in treating problems involving the inner “tooth pulp,” which houses blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Our acclaimed endodontists at Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics are proud to offer a range of endodontic procedures designed to save natural teeth for healthy smiles that last.
What Are Common Endodontic Procedures?
The following are the most common endodontic procedures we proudly offer at Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics:
Root Canal Therapy: Also known as endodontic therapy, root canal treatments address inflamed or infected inner tooth pulp, usually resulting from deep decay, tooth chips or cracks, dental trauma, or large fillings. The root canal procedure involves removing the infected pulp and then cleaning and shaping the space. Next is filling the root canals with a rubbery material called gutta-percha and sealing the tooth. After treatment, you’ll return to your general dentist for a dental crown to restore your tooth’s form and function.
Root canal therapy offers numerous benefits. Despite its stigma, the treatment relieves pain rather than causing it. The simple procedure is comparable to getting a tooth filled. The only alternative to root canal therapy is to have the tooth extracted, which would, in most cases, require a tooth replacement option such as a dental bridge or implant. Root canal therapy saves natural teeth, restoring healthy smiles. With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth has the potential to last a lifetime.
Endodontic Retreatment: Root canal therapy comes with a 95 percent success rate. However, in some rare cases, a root canal-treated tooth may not heal the way it should, causing continued pain. If that’s the case, we may recommend endodontic retreatment.
The procedure is similar to root canal therapy. However, we will use a dental operating microscope to search for any additional canals or unusual anatomies that require retreatment. Once again, we’ll clean, shape, and fill the root canals with a rubbery material called gutta-percha, then seal the space. You’ll need to return to your general dentist for a dental crown to fortify your tooth structure and restore the treated tooth’s function and natural appearance.
Apicoectomy: Also known as root end surgery, the endodontic procedure is designed to save damaged teeth in which the inflammation or infection persists or recurs after a root canal treatment, specifically in the bony area around the end of the tooth’s root. It involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root called the apex and any damaged or infected tissues.
After removing the damaged tooth structures, we’ll clean and seal the treated area. Apicoectomies are performed with the help of our cutting-edge dental operating microscope and ultrasonic instruments. With the incredible advances in endodontic technology and techniques, the success rate of endodontic surgery is higher than ever before!
Quality Endodontic Treatments Near Me
Contact Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics to learn more about the cutting-edge endodontic services offered at our state-of-the-art facility. Our team is committed to saving damaged teeth and restoring healthy smiles. You can always count on us for exceptional, gentle care. Call us to schedule your appointment today!