Our teeth are susceptible to damage, depending on the lifestyle that we adopt. It is recommendable to seek help from a professional with knowledge about dental treatment whenever you have any dental problems. An endodontic service would be of good help to different dental problems like root canal and severe tooth decay. The Downey Dentist offers endodontic services to people with various dental issues living within Downey, CA.

Definition of Endodontics

Endodontics is a dental specialty that deals with the dental treatment of the tooth’s internal parts. It involves different types of dental practices such as root canal treatment, retreatment, endodontic surgery, microscopic dentistry, and teeth restoration. Here is a detailed evaluation of several procedures that fall under endodontic services.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a straightforward treatment used to relieve dental pain and save your teeth. This kind of treatment is necessary when a patient is experiencing inflammation or infection of the tooth’s root. During the procedure, the endodontist removes the pulp, cleanses, and disinfects the root canal. After the disinfection, the endodontist will then fill and seal the space.

Before the endodontist takes you through the process, he or she will examine to diagnose the pain and plan the treatment. The expert will then deliver local anesthesia to make the process pain free and separate the tooth with a rubber dam. The rubber dam is used to avoid saliva from entering the tooth and protect the airways from strong chemicals and fine files used in the process.

The treatment process involves several appointments where the dentist will engage you in different activities, such as:

  • The removal of the damaged and infected pulp
  • The shaping of the entire root canal system
  • Cleaning and disinfecting the whole root canal system
  • Filling and sealing the root canal system
  • Placement of a direct restoration like a composite filling and an indirect restoration like a crown

Endodontic Surgery

There are times when nonsurgical root canal procedures cannot save your tooth. In such a situation, the dentist would recommend surgery to locate hidden canals and small fractures undetected by X-rays during treatment. The surgery might also be necessary to remove calcium deposits in your root canal, treat the damaged root surface, or surround the jawbone.

You do not have to worry about surgery if you are prescribed to undertake an operation since there are advanced technologies used to make the process quick, comfortable, and successful.

Endodontic surgery has different types of surgery to save your tooth. The most common of all is referred to as apicoectomy or root-end resection. This type of surgery is used when your infection is persistent or inflammation in the bone area.

The process starts with microsurgery to make you comfortable when applying the local anesthesia before opening the gum tissue near the tooth, seeing the underlying bone, and removing the infected or inflamed tissue. The end of the root is also removed, and a small filling may be placed to seal the end of the root canal by placing a few stitches or suture to help the healing of the tissue. Most patients return to their normality the next day since the post-surgical discomfort is usually mild.

Endodontic Retreatment

With the care, you can easily manage to maintain the lifetime of your teeth after a root canal treatment. However, there is a possibility of experiencing improper healing, making the teeth painful and diseased, long after the treatment. In such a situation, you might need to undertake an additional procedure to diminish the dental discomfort and pain and enhance the healing process. The kind of treatment that one should take is referred to as endodontic retreatment.

There are various reasons why the teeth would not heal as per the expectations during the initial treatment. These reasons include:

  • Small or curved canals which were untreated during the first treatment
  • A complex canal which was undetected during the first treatment
  • Delay of the placing of the crown or other reconstruction during the endodontic procedure
  • Failure to prevent contamination of saliva inside the tooth

Other problems might also affect your tooth after successful treatment. These problems include:

  • Another decay that exposes the root canal fillings to bacteria leading to another infection of the tooth
  • A loosened, cracked or broken filling or crown that exposes the tooth to another infection
  • Tooth fracture

During this procedure, the dentist will reopen your tooth to remove the initial filling material placed at the first treatment. He or she will then thoroughly examine your tooth to check for new infection or additional canals. The infections will then be removed while the canal will be cleaned and shaped to allow room for new filling materials. Once the canal is clean, the endodontist should place a provisional filling, which should stay for a while until your tooth is healed. After healing, the endodontist should proceed into placing the restoration to protect it.

Traumatic Dental Injuries

People experience traumatic dental injury due to different types of accidents. The majority of these accidents lead to chipped teeth. There are chances of experiencing dislodging of the tooth or have it knocked out completely, but such experiences are rare. The kind of treatment that one undertakes depends on the type, location, and severity of the injury. Regardless of the extent of the injury, you need the immediate intervention of an endodontist. Sometimes your neighboring teeth might be suffering and might only be detected through a dental exam.

Endodontists are the best dental professionals to consider since they have the skills and technologies needed to save your injured teeth. Most endodontists have flexible schedules and would be in a position of accommodating emergency cases. This helps you protect your tooth by acting as quickly as possible.

Several factors might affect the long-term health of your tooth after the injury treatment. It is necessary to seek treatment immediately after the traumatic dental injury to avoid resorption. Resorption is the defense mechanism of the body where it starts to reject the tooth after a traumatic injury. Seeking immediate treatment might save your tooth from this process.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a dental improvement procedure that offers a permanent solution to people suffering severe dental problems. It involves replacing a tooth with a permanent or removable replacement that is similar to natural teeth.

The process used to construct the dental implants depends on the jawbone’s condition and the type of implants you are using. The process might involve several procedures. These procedures include the initial consultation, bone grafting, implant surgery, and installation of the pontics. Whenever someone is seeking dental implant services, some factors determine the kind of implant to consider. These factors include:

  • The location of the missing tooth
  • The health of a patient
  • Quantity and quality of the jawbone
  • Cost
  • Patient preference

Endodontists are the best dental experts needed for dental implantation since they have the technical knowledge and experience required for the service. The endodontist will examine the area targeted for the dental implant and decide whether you are the right candidate for the procedure.

There are benefits of choosing a dental implant as your tooth-replacement option. The process is conservative in that the missing teeth can be replaced without affecting the nearby teeth. The dentist usually integrates the implant into your jawbone, which creates a stable foundation similar to your natural teeth.

Comparisons between General Dentistry and Endodontic Services

It can be hard to distinguish between general dentistry and endodontic services since they fall under the same medical field. Although there are a lot of similarities between the two services, there are still a lot of discrepancies that fall between them as well.

First, let’s explain the difference between the two. Dentistry can be described as a general dental service that deals with broad categories of dental problems, while endodontic services deal with specific dental issues.

Although a general dentist or endodontist are both dental care professionals, there is a significant difference between the two. Endodontist deals in performing canal treatment and other procedures related to the tooth’s interior and its pulp. They have the skills and knowledge needed to preserve your teeth. It does not mean that a general dentist cannot perform a root canal, but statistics have shown that endodontists perform more root canals than general dentists. This means that they are a better option when it comes to such dental procedures.

Apart from the difference provided above, other facts make endodontists and general dentists. Let’s have a closer look at the difference between the two professions.

Endodontists Have Advanced Education

To become a specialist such as an endodontist, he or she must have two or three additional education in a specialty program after completing the four years required in dental school. During the extra period, they focus on studying diseases related to the dental pulp and their treatment.

Endodontists are Specially Experienced

Since endodontics have a limit and focus exclusively on the treatment of the dental pulp, they can manage to complete 25 root canal treatments within a week. On the other hand, a dentist would manage to handle two cases in a week due to the varied services that they offer. The reason why endodontists have a high completion rate is their dedication to diagnosing and treating tooth pain, which translates diagnosis to treatment within a short timeline.

Endodontists are Pain Management Experts

Endodontists use specialized techniques to ensure that patients go through their treatment comfortably. They are professionals in administering numbing medication, especially to patients with problems related to staying numb. Also, they have better pain management techniques for patients after going through the root canal procedure until total healing is guaranteed.

Endodontists Utilize Cutting-Edge Technologies

Since endodontists are specialized in offering comfortable and successful dental treatment procedures, they have adopted high-end equipment to make this a success. For instance, they use a dental dam to isolate the tooth during treatment and protect the rest of your mouth. They also utilize digital radiography and 3-D imaging, which allow them to know about the anatomy of your teeth and narrow down to the real problem affecting the tooth. Finally, they use microscopes to view the inside of your tooth to clean it thoroughly.

Benefits for Choosing Endodontic Services

Locating the best dental expert for your dental problem can be a challenging task. While there are many dental surgeons you can rely on, there are reasons you need to seek medication from a professional endodontist for your dental problem. Here are the benefits of choosing an endodontist over other dental professionals.

Reduced Waiting Time

If you need any of the services provided by an endodontist, there are chances that you will be in a lot of pain for your tooth. It is also likely that you will have to undergo surgery as quickly as possible. Seeking dental services from an endodontist would be a suitable decision since they usually have flexible working routines compared to general dentists. This means that you will not have to waste any time with the appointment.

Endodontists are Skilled Professionals

Endodontists undergo the same training as dental surgeons. They also have an addition of two years of training which makes them skillful enough to offer excellent services.

Efficiency

Endodontists are efficient and precise in their delivery of services since they limit their practice to a specific dental treatment. Therefore, their patients experience a positive experience and a faster healing time.

How to Choose the Best Endodontic Services

The possibility of having the best services depends on the endodontist that a patient decides to choose. There are different experts at your disposal, but only a few would manage to meet the level of expertise that you need. Here is a detailed view of what you should do when choosing an endodontic service.

Seek Referrals

The best way to narrow down to the best endodontist is to find recommendations from people that you can trust. Your friends and family suit best in recommending the best professional you depend on. This will help you narrow down to someone who you can likely trust. It is recommendable to have several options at your disposal to increase the possibility of finding someone reliable.

Find Recommendations from Nearby

It is easy to locate an endodontist through the American Association of Endodontist and online reviews. When you are looking for factors to consider, take note of things such as office hours and location. You might also find someone who offers services during weekend hours or is proximate to your residence.

Check the Level of Education and Experience

For a dental professional to be an endodontist, he or she must have professional training beyond dental schooling. The number of procedures that the expert does in a week also determines if one is skilled enough. It is essential to consider the following when you want to pick an endodontist.

  • The education background
  • Board certification
  • Experience in treating root canal and other types of oral surgeries
  • The period that the expert has been practicing as a professional
  • Pain relief options and surgical technologies

Beware of Your Insurance Coverage

Endodontic services can be expensive and would incur substantial expenses if you decide to spend out of your pocket. That’s why you should check whether the endodontist about to choose is capable of accepting your insurance coverage. The endodontist should not only accept your insurance but should consider all your endodontic care. This depends on the policy that the insurance has. Contact your insurance company and check the extent of coverage that your endodontist can consider or look for other experts who can accept total coverage of your bills.

Please note, the type of payment depends on the treatment that the endodontist suggests to you. Therefore, you might be expected to pay out of pocket for some of your expenses since most insurance policies do to cover medical costs related to cosmetic dentistry.

Schedule an Office Visit

A professional endodontist should meet with you before providing the treatment. This allows the expert to diagnose and discuss the treatment option with you. You will also have the chance to meet the endodontist and check whether he or she meets your expectations and needs. Ask the scheduler to recommend the paperwork needed and information that you need for your first endodontist visit.

Meet The Potential Candidates

You should confirm your visit about a day or two in advance. Arriving at the appointment early will help you make a sound assessment of your potential endodontist. Make sure that all your current medication is with you and beware of various aspects you should assess on the candidates.

Make your Final Decision

Once you schedule a visit with three or more endodontists, you will be in a better position to pick someone who fits you best. You should be able to compare the positives and negatives of each endodontist, their treatment approach, and their pain management plan.

Find Downey Endodontic Services Near Me

The aim of getting quality endodontic services depends on the endodontist that you pick. There are many professionals that you can pick, but only a few have the experience and resources needed to offer quality services. Choosing the right professional requires a thorough evaluation of the options at hand. The Downey Dentist has the best equipment and endodontic services for people living within Downey, CA. Contact us at 562-746-0350  and schedule a consultation.