Endodontic treatment is a crucial step in maintaining the health and integrity of your teeth. From relieving tooth pain and discomfort to preventing further damage and potential tooth loss, this type of procedure offers numerous benefits that can greatly improve your overall oral health.
Root canal therapy is the most well-known endodontic treatment. It involves removing infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection. This procedure is designed to eliminate pain and save the natural tooth, allowing it to function normally for years to come.
Often, pulpotomy is a procedure performed on children to treat decayed or infected pulp in baby teeth. It involves the removal of the diseased pulp tissue from the crown of the tooth while leaving the healthy pulp inside the roots intact. Then, the tooth is sealed and often fitted with a dental crown to preserve its structure and functionality.
An apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is performed when a root canal alone is insufficient to resolve persistent issues. This endodontic procedure removes the tip of the tooth’s root and the surrounding infected tissue. The end of the root is sealed off to prevent reinfection, ensuring the tooth remains viable.
Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on treating issues related to the inside of the tooth, such as the pulp and root canals. While a root canal is one of the most common procedures in endodontics, the field encompasses much more than just this treatment.
It’s completely normal to feel weary about getting endodontic care, but rest assured that your comfort is our priority. We offer a compassionate approach, including sedation options and personalized care, to help ease your fears and ensure a stress-free experience.
Most endodontic treatments, including root canals, are performed with local anesthesia, so you remain awake during the procedure but experience no pain. For patients with significant anxiety, dental sedation is available to help you feel calm and comfortable.
In most cases, endodontic treatment is preferred over tooth extraction because it allows you to save your natural tooth, which is always the best option for long-term oral health. Removing a tooth can lead to complications, such as shifting teeth and bone loss, whereas endodontic care preserves your smile and function.
Whether you have a severely decayed or infected tooth, or have experienced a dental injury, seeking endodontic treatment is the best course of action to save your natural tooth and avoid more invasive procedures. Don’t let fear or misconceptions hold you back from getting the care you need. Consult with the Meridiana Family team who can guide you through the process and ensure a successful outcome.
“Dr. Sung is attentive and a master at his craft. Dr. Sung and his team make sure the patient is comfortable during any procedure and are always ready to listen…I was nervous about the root canal procedure before it began, but my nerves were calmed a little bit into it. Dr. Sung uses some awesome and new technology with his work, which is settling to know. They have changed my opinion on root canal procedures and I very much respect the team there. Thank you!”
-Melissa V.