Endodontics is a specialized area of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries affecting the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of the teeth. The dental pulp, located in the innermost chamber of the tooth, contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues that are vital during tooth development. Once a tooth is fully matured, it can survive without the pulp, making endodontic treatment in Arleta, California, a viable solution when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected.
What to Expect From Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic therapy becomes necessary when the dental pulp is compromised due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracks, chipping or traumatic injury. The most familiar and widely performed endodontic procedure is root canal therapy. This treatment is designed to remove the damaged or infected pulp, clean and shape the root canals and then fill and seal the space to protect the tooth from future infection.
After completing root canal therapy, a tooth is typically restored with a crown or another restoration to bring back its full function and appearance. This process helps preserve the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction and maintaining the alignment and stability of the bite.
Exploring Additional Endodontic Procedures
In certain cases, further treatment may be needed beyond the initial root canal. If a previously treated tooth becomes painful or infected again, root canal retreatment may be recommended. This involves removing the original filling material, addressing any issues and resealing the canals.
Other endodontic procedures include pulpotomy, also known as a baby tooth root canal, which is often performed in younger patients to preserve the vitality of the remaining pulp, and apicoectomy, which is a minor surgical procedure to remove the tip of a root along with infected tissue when standard root canal therapy is not sufficient. Our dentist will evaluate your oral health to determine if an endodontic treatment is right for you.
Our endodontic procedures include:
Benefits of Preserving Natural Teeth
Endodontic care is centered on saving your natural teeth whenever possible. Keeping your own teeth supports better chewing, maintains your natural smile and helps avoid the complications that can come from tooth loss and replacement. Endodontic treatments are highly successful and help relieve dental pain while restoring health to affected teeth.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, pain or swelling, it may be time to consult with Dr. Simon Imanuel about whether endodontic treatment is right for you. With proper care, teeth that have undergone endodontic therapy can last a lifetime. Reach out to your United Family Dental Group today at 818-899-9999 to learn more about how endodontics in Arleta, CA, can support your long-term oral health!