What is endodontics?
Endodontics is an oral health specialty that diagnoses and treats problems affecting the tooth pulp and tooth roots.
The pulp is a soft substance inside each of your teeth. It nourishes them and provides temperature sensations like hot and cold but isn’t necessary for their long-term survival.
By removing the pulp from a damaged or decaying tooth, it’s possible to preserve it and prevent additional complications.
What are some common endodontic procedures?
Dr. Yoon and the team offer various endodontic procedures, including:
Root canal therapy
During a root canal, Dr. Yoon removes the pulp from the center of your tooth, rinses it, and fills it with a material called gutta-percha. Then, he applies a crown to your tooth, restoring its size, strength, and appearance. A root canal preserves your tooth’s integrity while preventing the need for an extraction.
Root canal retreatment
Root canal therapy doesn’t always eliminate an infection. If you still experience toothaches, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, root canal retreatment may be necessary. During root canal retreatment, Dr. Yoon removes the crown and gutta-percha, recleans all of the root canals, and reseals your tooth.
The placement of dental implants
If you’re missing permanent teeth, Dr. Yoon might recommend dental implants. Implants are small posts of titanium placed beneath your gums during an outpatient procedure.
The implants integrate with your natural bone over time and provide a foundation for crowns, a bridge, or fixed dentures.
Is endodontic treatment right for me?
Only a qualified dentist like Dr. Yoon can determine if you’re a candidate for endodontic treatment.
At your first appointment, Dr. Yoon conducts an oral exam and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if any activities like eating hot or cold food make them worse. Next, he orders a series of 3D digital X-rays to assess the health of your tooth roots, gums, and jaw.
If Dr. Yoon detects a deep cavity, an infection, or missing teeth, he develops a custom treatment plan. Root canal therapy and root canal retreatment take a single appointment, while getting dental implants takes at least three, spread over several months.
To learn more about endodontics, make an appointment at Fresh Dental Care by calling the office today or scheduling online.
