What Procedures Does an Endodontist Perform?
When it comes to dental care, preserving your natural teeth should always be a priority. In cases where the inner tissues of a tooth are affected, an endodontist specializes in performing procedures to save and restore the tooth. In this blog post, we will explore the various procedures that an endodontist at Northern Kentucky Endodontics, led by Dr. Eric Walden DMD, performs to maintain the health and functionality of your teeth.
- Root Canal Treatment:
One of the most common procedures performed by an endodontist is root canal treatment. This procedure is designed to remove infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth’s interior and alleviate pain caused by tooth decay, trauma, or infection. The endodontist carefully cleans and disinfects the root canal system before sealing it to prevent further infection. Root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction and preserving your smile. - Endodontic Retreatment:
In some cases, a previously treated tooth may develop new issues or fail to heal properly. Endodontic retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing any infected or damaged materials, and then cleaning and sealing the root canal system again. This procedure aims to address persistent symptoms or new infections in a tooth that has undergone prior root canal treatment. - Endodontic Surgery:
Endodontic surgery is necessary when non-surgical root canal treatment is not sufficient to resolve the issue. The most common endodontic surgical procedure is an apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery. During this procedure, the endodontist removes the tip of the tooth’s root and any infected tissue surrounding it. The root-end is then sealed to prevent further infection and promote healing. - Dental Implants:
While endodontists primarily focus on saving natural teeth, they may also collaborate with other dental specialists to support the placement of dental implants. Dental implants are a popular solution for replacing missing teeth. An endodontist can contribute by evaluating the condition of the tooth’s root and surrounding tissues to ensure a successful implant procedure. - Dental Extractions:
Although the primary goal of an endodontist is to save natural teeth, in some cases, a tooth may be beyond repair and extraction becomes necessary. Endodontists have the expertise to perform dental extractions while ensuring patient comfort and minimizing post-operative complications. - Other Procedures:
Endodontists are also skilled in performing additional procedures such as apical surgery, sinus lift/augmentation, PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy, and cortical bone graft placement. These procedures may be required to address specific conditions or provide additional support for successful endodontic treatments.
Endodontists play a vital role in preserving and restoring the health of your natural teeth. Through procedures like root canal treatment, endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, and collaboration with other dental specialists, they strive to maintain the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. If you are experiencing dental pain or have been recommended for a root canal treatment, consulting an endodontist at Northern Kentucky Endodontics, such as Dr. Eric Walden DMD, can provide you with the expertise and care needed to save your natural teeth and ensure optimal oral health.
Remember, nothing can truly replace your natural tooth, and an endodontist can help you preserve it for years to come.
Northern Kentucky Endodontics is a specialized dental practice focused on providing endodontic treatments and services. They emphasize the importance of preserving natural teeth and offer root canal treatments as an alternative to extraction. The practice is staffed by highly trained endodontists, Dr. J. Eric Walden DMD, MS, PLLC who have undergone advanced training beyond general dentistry. Their website serves as a resource for patients, providing information on various treatments, post-operative instructions, and educational videos. Patients can also access services such as evaluation, root canal treatment, retreatment, apicoectomy, dental extraction, dental implants, IV sedation, PRP platelet-rich plasma, and sinus lift/augmentation. The practice is committed to delivering high-quality care and ensuring patients feel comfortable and informed about their dental treatment decisions.
Northern Kentucky Endodontics