Endodontics in San Diego

When tooth decay is caught early, a general dentist can easily treat it with a filling procedure. However, if left untreated, the decay can progress beyond the outer layers of the tooth, reaching the soft tissue that protects the nerves. At this point, endodontic treatment becomes necessary to save the tooth effectively. In more severe cases, an abscess may form at the tooth root's end, exposing the infection and allowing it to spread to other parts of the body. In extreme situations, the only option might be tooth extraction and replacement with a prosthetic.

Of course, preserving your natural tooth is always the best option. While prosthetics have improved significantly over the years, they can never match the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth. Moreover, prosthetics can often be more expensive than endodontic procedures and require multiple dental visits to complete.

Tooth decay that affects the tooth's roots may lead to noticeable symptoms. Patients in need of a root canal may experience pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling or discoloration of the infected tooth. However, some patients may have no symptoms at all. Many times, dentists identify the need for endodontic treatment through digital imaging and exams during regular hygiene appointments.

While general dentists are trained in basic endodontics and can perform routine root canals, they often refer patients to specialists called endodontists for more complex cases. Endodontists undergo at least two additional years of specialized training and use advanced technology and procedures to comfortably preserve your natural teeth and keep you smiling. Their expertise and use of advanced tools enable them to handle routine and difficult cases with greater confidence and a higher success rate.

A successful root canal treatment involves thoroughly cleaning the infected tissue from all of the tooth's root canals, preventing the decay from spreading further. Each tooth is unique in shape, and root canals may be more complex or slender in some cases, making it challenging to perform root canal therapy without an endodontist's specialized training and technology.

Root canals have garnered a negative reputation for being painful, but endodontists work diligently to change that perception. They are trained in administering anesthetics to ensure the patient's utmost comfort during the procedure. Additionally, due to their specialized training, they are skilled in diagnosing mouth and facial pain that might be challenging for other medical or dental professionals to pinpoint.

At our office, we take pride in offering comprehensive endodontic care. If you have any endodontic needs or want to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We are here to help and preserve your beautiful smile!