What makes James A. Penney, III, DDS, PA Endodontics “comprehensive?” We perform several different procedures for the inside of your tooth.
The “one size fits all” approach has no place in the world of endodontics. A root canal might seem straightforward — and for the most part it is — each patient is different. Endodontics has come a long way over the years to develop new procedures that will help those teeth that seem beyond saving.
Here are a few of the procedures we perform at our office.
1. Root Canal Therapy.
Our most common procedure patients come in to see us for is a root canal. Root canal therapy cleans out damaged pulp and fills a tooth with a sturdy, lifelong-lasting filling.
2. Endodontic Retreatment.
While most patients undergo a routine root canal and live the rest of their lives with healthy, natural teeth, a few have different stories.
There are several reasons a root canal treatment can fail. If the endodontist or dentist was not able to properly clean the canal, the bacteria will grow back. If the patient does not get their tooth restored within the recommended amount of time, they risk breaking the temporary filling that is keeping the root canal treatment in place.
In rare cases, crowns that are not properly fitted for your tooth become contaminated with saliva and bacteria. The tooth must once again be cleaned out.
Endodontic retreatment will be necessary.
3. Apicoectomy.
This procedure is also known as “endodontic surgery.” It performs the same function, but is drastically different from a root canal treatment.
An apicoectomy is necessary when the infection has spread beyond the roots of your tooth and into the bone. Drilling from the chewing surface won’t allow the endodontist to treat all infected tissue.
The procedure begins at the gum tissue. The endodontist will remove the infected bone, seal off your root canal with a root-end filling, and stitch the gum tissue back in place. Over time, the bone will regrow and the tooth will be healthy again.
4. Trauma Recovery.
Treating a cracked tooth involves the same procedures listed above. However, a break in your tooth requires more specialized treatment than your average compromised pulp. Your endodontist will work with other health professionals helping you recover to determine the best way to treat your broken tooth.
