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Progressive Endodontics is equipped with the latest technology to provide effective treatment usually in a single visit. We will discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan, explain your options, confer with your family dentist, and answer any questions you may have.
Our patient-centered approach focuses on maintaining the integrity of the tooth while minimizing the pain and inconvenience of root canal therapy.
Learn more about our services:
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X-Rays
X-Rays are an essential part of determining your treatment plan. Progressive Endodontics utilizes the latest digital radiographic technologies to minimize your exposure to low-level radiation.
Root Canal Treatment
Our treatment plan begins with a diagnostic examination to determine if a root canal is the most viable option for saving the tooth. After the determination is made, the injured pulp is removed and the root canal system thoroughly cleaned and filled. New technologies enable us to perform many root canal treatments in a single visit. However, for a small percentage of cases a second visit may be needed.
After treatment is completed, it is important for patients to contact their family dentist for a follow-up restoration appointment.
About Root Canals
Your tooth consists of two main parts: the crown, which is that part of the tooth above the gum and visible in your mouth, and the root, which is that part of the tooth that lies beneath the gum and is surrounded by bone. Inside each root is a channel that runs the length of the tooth. This channel is the root canal and contains the “pulp” (nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue) of the tooth.
The pulp may be irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay, very deep restorations, fractures, trauma, or gum disease. In order to preserve a tooth in which this has occurred, it is necessary to remove the diseased pulp tissue first. This procedure is known as endodontic therapy or a root canal. It is advisable to remove the injured pulp because it may become infected or act as an irritant to the tissues surrounding the tooth.
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The Endodontic (Root Canal) Procedure
Endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
- The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a "dental dam" over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
- After making an opening in the crown of the tooth, very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.
- Once the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called "gutta-percha." Gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
- After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
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Endodontic Retreatment
With proper care, most teeth that have had endodontic (root canal) treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. However, in some cases, a tooth that has received endodontic treatment fails to heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth becomes painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment.
If your tooth has failed to heal or has developed new problems, endodontic retreatment may be an option. See diagrams of examples of why treatment fails.
After discussing your treatment options, our plan begins with reopening the tooth to gain access to the old root canal filling material. In many cases, complex restorative materials - crown, post, and core material - must be disassembled and removed to permit access to the root canals. After removing the canal filling, the endodontist can clean the canals and carefully examine the inside of your tooth, searching for any additional canals or unusual anatomy that requires treatment. After cleaning the canal(s), the endodontist will fill and seal the canal(s) and place a temporary filling in the tooth.
After the final visit with your endodontist, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
For more information visit www.aae.org/patients/patientinfo/faqs/retxsum.htm
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Endodontic Microsurgery
When a root canal is not enough to save your tooth, endodontic microsurgery may be needed. Microsurgery is performed to remove diseased tissue and then to prepare and fill the root tip by making an incision in the gum tissue overlying the affected root. This is done in our office under local anesthesia.
Endodontic microsurgery is a surgical procedure utilizing a sophisticated operating microscope and special microsurgical instruments. Microsurgical procedures improve long-term outcomes and reduce post-surgical trauma.
The success of saving a tooth depends on the existing nature of the problem prior to treatment. Should the need for microsurgery arise, we will discuss the information you need to fully understand your problem.
Patients who have microsurgery are able to drive home and return to work the following day. Complications after surgery are rare. However, we are available day or night if a problem arises.
For more information visit http://www.aae.org/patients/patientinfo/faqs/endosurgery.htm
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Sedation
Patient comfort is a major consideration in developing treatment plans. We provide oral sedation and/or nitrous oxide to supplement local anesthesia as necessary.
What is nitrous oxide?
For more information on nitrous oxide click here.
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