What Is Endodontic Treatment and Why Would I Need an Endodontic Procedure?

Endodontic treatments are specialized dental procedures focused on addressing intricate issues within the teeth, particularly those involving the inner tissues like the nerve or pulp.

Conducted by endodontists, who are dentists with additional training, these procedures, such as root canals, aim to save teeth by addressing problems affecting the soft pulp tissue inside the tooth. This tissue includes blood vessels, nerves, and other essential components.

The root of the tooth, crucial for stability, becomes a primary focus during endodontic treatments. Through advanced techniques, endodontists efficiently manage complex causes of tooth pain and work towards preserving natural teeth, even those that are severely decayed or damaged.

Among the most common endodontic procedures is the root canal, which is performed to save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. This procedure becomes necessary when the pulp or the canals holding the pulp become infected or inflamed due to fractures, cracks, cavities, repeated dental injuries, or multiple treatments on the same tooth.

Identifying the need for a root canal involves observing symptoms like tooth sensitivity, pain, discoloration, tenderness, and gum swelling. Specialists at Ace Endodontics confirm the diagnosis and need for treatment through physical examinations and imaging tests. Root canals entail the removal of infected pulp, cleaning of the root canals, and sealing them under anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience for patients.

Another common endodontic treatment is endodontic retreatment, which involves replacing material from a previous root canal that failed to heal properly. In cases where a tooth cannot be saved, dentists may perform tooth extractions. They also handle surgical placements of dental implants to support prosthetic treatments and restore the function and appearance of teeth after extraction.

There are various reasons why endodontic procedures may be necessary, primarily centered around preserving a patient’s natural tooth. These procedures aim to relieve a range of symptoms, including tooth pain, restore functionality, and extend the life of a patient’s natural tooth.

Endodontic intervention becomes imperative when inflammation or infection affects the dental pulp. Patients may require endodontic procedures to save teeth due to reasons such as excessive tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on a single tooth, chipped or cracked teeth, large fillings, or extensive tooth decay affecting structural integrity.

Routine checkups at Ace Endodontics play a crucial role in determining whether endodontic procedures are necessary, as specialists can identify various issues that may require prompt treatment interventions to preserve the patient’s smile and oral health.

Choosing endodontic procedures allows individuals to maintain their natural teeth, avoid tooth extractions, and ensure long-term oral health. The comprehensive care provided by endodontists addresses various dental issues, offering solutions to preserve the natural smile. By focusing on saving teeth, endodontists consider all treatment options to determine the best course for each patient and case.

The recovery time needed for endodontic procedures depends on the specific treatment performed. Most endodontic treatments are outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home after the completion of the procedure.

Some patients may even feel well enough to return to work on the same day. Most root canals require between one and three visits to the dentist, with pain usually subsiding after the first session. Although recovery time varies among patients, the procedure itself is painless and provides immediate relief from any pain experienced before the root canal.

After a root canal, patients may experience temporary swelling and difficulty chewing, requiring a few days of avoiding excessive physical activity and certain foods. Specialists at Ace Endodontics provide detailed post-treatment instructions, and side effects should generally heal within a week.

Ace Endodontics provides endodontic treatment to eradicate infection and protect the cleaned tooth from further bacterial growth. For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11980 San Vicente Blvd Ste 900 Los Angeles, CA 90049. We serve patients from Brentwood CA, Santa Monica CA, West Los Angeles CA, Beverly Hills CA, West Hollywood CA, Venice CA, Culver City CA, and the surrounding areas.