Saving Teeth Through Endodontics
Problems with the inner tooth or root are both painful and delicate, requiring expert care. As your endodontist, Dr. Michael Pichardo provides expert and compassionate treatment to help alleviate your pain and protect your teeth.
If your tooth is in pain and you need endodontic care, contact our office or read below to find out how we can help.
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a dental branch that focuses entirely on the root of the tooth, as well as the inner tooth (called the pulp) and surrounding bone and tissue. Hidden beneath the surface of the tooth and gums, these areas are normally protected, but when problems do occur, they quickly become serious and require special attention.
Root canal therapy is the most well-known endodontic treatment. However, endodontics can also be used to treat traumatic dental injuries where the root or inner tooth might be affected, such as cracked teeth.
Endodontists vs. Dentists: What’s the Difference?
Dentists offer a wide variety of services in several areas, often including general care, restorations, and cosmetic treatments. Endodontists work exclusively with health issues and treatments relating to the inner tooth, tooth root, and jaw.
Some dentists also offer basic endodontic treatment, such as root canal therapy. However, in instances with complications, or when the necessary treatment is more complex, it’s common for dentists to refer patients to an endodontist. Since endodontists have advanced training and more experience, this ensures that patients receive the top level of care for their treatment.
Our Endodontic Services
At Solis Endodontics, we provide specialized services to help patients overcome painful and frightening dental problems. Your treatment options with us include:
The Basics of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy (RTC) is the most common endodontic procedure, and yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve been told you need root canal therapy, you may be nervous about treatment. However, RTC is a valuable treatment option that can help you to save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.
We’ll help to clear up some of the questions you likely have about root canal therapy.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?
This treatment is used to heal teeth when an infection has reached the inner tooth. An access point is created into the tooth’s center, called the pulp. The infected tissue is removed, and an antibiotic is applied to cleanse the tooth. Afterward, the root canals are cleaned and stabilized, and the tooth is filled in and sealed.
Once completed with a dental crown, the tooth will be whole, functional, and pain-free once more.
How Long Does a Root Canal Treatment Take?
On average, root canal therapy takes place over 1-2 visits and takes about ninety minutes each visit. This can vary depending on the unique situation. Ask Dr. Pichardo beforehand for an estimate of how long your treatment will take.
Top Three Misconceptions About Root Canal Therapy
1. Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
RTC may have a reputation for pain, but in fact, it’s exactly the opposite. Most patients who come in for root canal therapy are suffering from a painful infection. This treatment removes the infection and alleviates their pain. There may be mild post-treatment discomfort, but this passes within a few days.
2. Can You Get Sick from Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is designed to remove sickness, not cause it. You are far more at risk from the infection than you are from the treatment. Root canal therapy today has a high success rate, and when performed expertly, your health is improved by it.
3. Is It Better to Extract Your Tooth Over Root Canal Therapy?
Modern understanding of dental health shows that it’s better for a patient’s health overall to preserve your existing teeth as much as possible. Extractions can be physically traumatic for the surrounding tissue and have prolonged healing times. Afterward, you must either replace the tooth or face the consequences of tooth loss, which include shifting teeth and jaw bone loss. Root canal therapy allows you to preserve your tooth and protect your entire smile.
Treatment for Dental Trauma
Traumatic injuries can be as painful as they are unexpected, and leave your teeth at risk. We can serve as your emergency dentist to help you preserve your tooth in the event of a dental accident.
When teeth have been shoved in, loosened, or knocked out completely, Dr. Pichardo can quickly assess the damage and determine the most effective treatment. With swift action and first-rate care, you have a better chance of being able to save and restore your tooth to health.
An End to Dental Pain
Dr. Pichardo is passionate about helping patients find relief from their dental issues. When you visit us, you can always expect to find compassion and expert care. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
CALL US: 703-753-4901 REQUEST APPOINTMENT