Endodontics
Endodontics in Garland, TX
Endodontics is the specialty dealing with the roots of the teeth. The most common endodontic therapy is a root canal, which involves removing the infected pulp and then filling the canal where the pulp once was. The dental pulp is the soft tissue, nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected, root canal therapy can save the tooth; without a root canal, the infection will spread and eventually the tooth will fall out, requiring more costly dental implants or bridges to repair your bite. After a root canal, the tooth is dead because the nerve tissue and blood supply to the tooth have been removed. Over time, this causes the tooth to become brittle, a filling and crown are necessary to protect the tooth from cracking.
Endodontic Retreatment
Are you suffering from dental pain after having endodontic treatment months or even years later? With regular care, teeth that have gone through endodontic treatment may last as long as natural teeth. With a 95 percent success rate, a root canal may seem like a sure bet.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. In some cases, a tooth that received endodontic treatment may heal improperly causing continued pain. Believe it or not, pain may continue to occur months even years after endodontic treatment.
Luckily, endodontic retreatment may be the best solution. Endodontic retreatment can provide the relief and peace of mind that you need.
What is an Endodontic Retreatment?
Endodontic retreatment is essentially a procedure performed by a root canal specialist or endodontist. Retreatment is typically non-surgical.
Similar to a root canal, retreatment requires the dentist to regain access to the infected tooth. Once the dentist has extracted the tooth filings, they will use files to reshape the tooth so that it stays in place. Ultimately, the specialist will clean the root canal and fill it back up with gutta-percha.
Since more precision is needed, a dental operating microscope is the tool of choice for this procedure. Even with the latest technology, several dental visits may be required to complete the treatment.
Is Endodontic Retreatment the Right Choice for You?
For most people, saving a natural tooth is a big deal. Rightfully so. That is why retreating teeth is essentially a way to preserve your tooth for many years or even for a lifetime.
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with any dental procedures. That is why it is important to discuss any available options with your endodontist before retreatment.
Nonetheless, an endodontist may be able to resolve your dental issue with retreatment.
Apicoectomy
Does your tooth hurt months or even years after having a root canal? In rare occasions, the nonsurgical endodontic procedure may not be sufficient enough to save a tooth.
Some of the factors leading to an unsuccessful endodontic treatment include:
- Minuscule dental fracture
- Narrow dental canal filled with calcium deposits
- A tooth that did not heal correctly
Luckily, an apicoectomy can help resolve your dental stress and pain.
Your endodontist should recommend dental surgery, apicoectomy, to help end your dental suffering. An apicoectomy is essentially the last resort when a nonsurgical procedure has failed.
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What is an Apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a surgery that targets the infected or damaged tissue near a tooth’s roots. Typically, this type of surgery is needed when an infection persists or develops after a root canal or endodontic retreatment.
The reason being that infected debris may remain in the branches of the main root canal causing improper healing and re-infection of the area. Thus, the apex or root tip is removed, along with, any infected tissue. Ultimately, a filling is used to seal the end of the root.
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How does it work?
During an apicoectomy, the endodontist or surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to help expose inflamed tissue and bone. With that, the damaged tissue and end of the root tip are then removed.
The surgeon will then use a dye to highlight fractures and cracks in the tooth. If found, the tooth may be extracted, and the surgery will not proceed.
Additionally, the surgeon will proceed with cleaning and sealing the treated area. Thanks to the latest technology, the procedure is done under a dental operating microscope, which uses ultrasonic instruments.
This tool is very integral to the success of the procedure because the magnification and lighting provide the endodontist the ability to see the treatment area much better.
Typically, an apicoectomy is completed in about 30 to 90 minutes. It all depends on the location and intricacy of the root structure. The molars take the longest while the front teeth take the shortest amount of time.
Endodontics Near Me
Smile Again Dental is dedicated to providing exceptional endodontic and root canal therapy, offering the latest in dental technology. Our highly experienced and qualified doctors provide you with a comfortable and positive experience. We promise it's not as bad as you've heard.
Call us and schedule your appointment today at 972-696-9273!
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