Treatment

Why Have I Been Referred?

While many dentists do not perform any endodontic treatment and refer all patients to endodontists, a few general dentists may perform some endodontic (root canal) treatment.   However, patients are often referred to an endodontist when it has been determined that your case may be complex or requires the attention of a specialist.  endodontists are specialists with advanced training and knowledge in this field.  A sharp general dentist often identifies potential challenges in advance, and refers to an endodontist to avoid encountering difficulty in order to give you the best treatment outcome.  It is important to recognize that you have been referred because your dentist has your best interest at heart and wants you to receive the finest endodontic care possible.

Common reasons for referral include: molar teeth or difficult canal anatomy, elusive pain diagnosis, previously root canal treated teeth, fractures, pediatrics, and trauma.

At Pomerado Endodontics, we work in close partnership with your dentist to ensure that you receive optimal care.  We serve as an extension of their dental team and maintain close communication and detailed documentation of your care.

Do I Need Treatment?

Not all patients referred to us will need a root canal treatment. We will do a thorough evaluation as a proper diagnosis is utmost important.  Our doctor’s expertise and state-of-the-art technology will help to determine if you need treatment.   Oftentimes, we find that patients do not need root canal treatment. However, when they do need root canal treatment, we offer the most gentle and the highest quality of care as we strive to exceed expectations and ensure the best treatment outcome.

 

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms may include one or more of the following: a toothache, radiating pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, sensitivity to biting, swelling or tenderness of the gums. Occasionally there are no symptoms and endodontic disease is detected by a loss of bone on radiographs (x-ray images).  Signs and symptoms can often progress to severe intensity that requires an emergency evaluation.  If patients wait too long to be seen, the tooth may go beyond saving.   If you suspect that you may have an endodontic problem, it is best to seek care early before signs or symptoms have a chance to progress.

Why Would I Need Endodontic Treatment?

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected. The most common reasons for this are deep cavities (caries), repeated dental procedures, tooth cracks, or trauma. If irreversible pulp inflammation is allowed to progress untreated, it will inevitably progress to an infected tooth, which ultimately progresses to an infected abscess in the surrounding jawbone.  Only endodontic treatment or extraction can stop this process.

 

How Can Endodontics Help Me?

Endodontic treatment allows you to keep a tooth that otherwise would need to be extracted.  Endodontic treatment can also provide substantial relief from pain, swelling, or other symptoms.  The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the canal system and then seals the prepared space. Most treatment is now performed in a single appointment ranging from 30-90 minutes (depending on the number of canals).  Patients can expect immediate relief after a root canal treatment but some may still have mild discomfort up to two weeks after the procedure as the tooth structure takes time to heal.