Endodontics at Wilshire Center Dental Group

At Wilshire Center Dental Group, we understand that the health of your teeth extends beneath the surface. Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of the innermost parts of the tooth, known as the dental pulp. The dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that are essential for the health of your tooth. When the pulp becomes damaged or infected, it can lead to severe pain, discomfort, and potentially the loss of the tooth. Our expert team of endodontists is committed to providing you with the highest quality care to save your natural teeth and restore your oral health.

What Is Endodontics?

Endodontics involves the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions that affect the pulp and root tissues of the tooth. The most common procedure in endodontics is root canal therapy, a treatment designed to remove infected or damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the root canals, and seal the tooth to prevent future infection.

Endodontic treatments are essential for preserving a tooth that has been compromised by deep decay, cracks, or trauma. Instead of extracting a damaged tooth, endodontics aims to save it, allowing you to keep your natural tooth in place and maintain a healthy bite.

Common Endodontic Treatments

1. Root Canal Therapy
   Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic procedure. It is performed when the pulp of the tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, or cracks in the tooth. Symptoms of needing a root canal may include severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling in the gums, or the appearance of an abscess.

   During a root canal, our endodontist will:

   • Remove the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth
   • Clean and disinfect the inner chambers and root canals
   • Fill and seal the root canals to prevent reinfection
   • Place a crown or filling on the tooth to restore its function and appearance

   Root canal therapy is highly effective, with a success rate of over 95%. Most patients experience relief from pain and discomfort after the procedure and can continue using the treated tooth for many years.

2. Endodontic Retreatment
   In some cases, a root canal may need to be redone if the tooth becomes reinfected or if the initial treatment didn’t fully resolve the issue. Retreatment involves removing the old filling material, cleaning the canals again, and re-sealing the tooth to ensure it remains infection-free.

3. Apicoectomy (Root End Surgery)
   If an infection persists after a root canal or if the infection is located at the tip of the root, an apicoectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to access the root tip, removing the infected tissue, and sealing the root end to prevent further infection. Apicoectomy is typically performed when a root canal alone isn’t sufficient to resolve the issue.

4. Traumatic Tooth Injury Treatment
   In cases where a tooth has been fractured or injured due to trauma (e.g., from an accident or sports injury), endodontic treatment may be needed to save the tooth. Depending on the severity of the injury, root canal therapy may be performed to remove damaged pulp, and additional procedures may be required to restore the tooth’s function.

Why Choose Endodontic Treatment?

Endodontics offers several advantages for patients with infected or damaged teeth:

• Preserving Your Natural Tooth: The main goal of endodontic treatment is to save the tooth, which is always the best option for your oral health. Keeping your natural tooth is important for maintaining your bite, speech, and overall dental function.
• Pain Relief: Many patients who require endodontic treatment experience significant pain from tooth infections or injuries. Root canal therapy and other endodontic treatments can provide immediate relief from discomfort and sensitivity.
• High Success Rate: With modern techniques and advanced technology, root canals and other endodontic procedures have a high success rate, helping patients avoid tooth extraction and preserve their smiles.
• Long-Term Solution: A successfully treated tooth can last for many years, often a lifetime, with proper care. Root canal-treated teeth are restored with crowns that strengthen the tooth and improve its function.

The Endodontic Procedure at Wilshire Center Dental Group

At Wilshire Center Dental Group, we make sure that your endodontic treatment is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Consultation and Diagnosis
   Our endodontist will perform a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the condition of your tooth and determine if endodontic treatment is necessary. We will explain your options and answer any questions you may have.

2. Treatment Planning
   Once we’ve determined the best course of action, we’ll schedule your treatment appointment. In most cases, root canal therapy can be completed in a single visit, although more complex cases may require additional appointments.

3. Anesthesia and Comfort
   Before the procedure, we will numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the treatment. For patients with anxiety, we also offer sedation options to help you relax.

4. Procedure
   Our endodontist will carefully remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the canals, and then fill and seal the tooth. A temporary filling may be placed if the tooth requires further restoration.

5. Restoration
   After the root canal is complete, a permanent crown or filling will be placed to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. This ensures that your tooth is fully protected from future infection and damage.

6. Follow-up Care
   After the procedure, we will schedule follow-up visits to monitor the healing process and ensure the tooth is functioning well. We’ll also provide instructions for post-treatment care to minimize discomfort and encourage healing.

Why Choose Wilshire Center Dental Group for Endodontics?

At Wilshire Center Dental Group, our experienced team of endodontists is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care. We use the latest technology and advanced techniques to ensure that your treatment is efficient, effective, and comfortable. Our goal is to save your natural teeth and restore your smile with as little discomfort as possible.

Whether you’re dealing with an infected tooth, trauma, or a previously unsuccessful root canal, we are here to help. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your treatment plan meets your needs and that you understand the process every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or other signs of an infection, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Contact Wilshire Center Dental Group today to schedule a consultation with our expert endodontists and take the first step toward saving your tooth and improving your oral health. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come!