Preserving Your Dental Health With Dental Care

Have you been feeling tooth pain to the point you can’t drink or chew normally? It’s vital to seek treatment immediately to get relief and protect your oral health. When it comes to maintaining optimal oral health, endodontics plays a crucial role. 

Just Smile Dental is proud to offer endodontic services for our patients. Whether you’re seeking treatment for dental trauma, cracked teeth, or a thorough dental pulp evaluation, our Everett, WA, dentist, Dr. William Webley, is here to provide compassionate care and innovative solutions.

What Are Endodontics?

Endodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases or injuries affecting the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. The dental pulp, commonly known as the “nerve” of the tooth, is located within the tooth’s root canal system and contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When the dental pulp is infected or diseased, it’s important to perform treatment to have healthy teeth and a healthy mouth. 

The most common endodontic treatment is a root canal, though our Everett dental team also deals with cracked teeth and numerous forms of dental trauma. We will do everything that we can to protect your dental pulp so that you can keep your teeth.

Common Endodontic Procedures

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is the most well-known and commonly performed endodontic procedure. It involves the removal of infected or inflamed dental pulp from the root canal system. The canals are then cleaned, shaped, and filled with a biocompatible material to seal them, preventing further infection or discomfort. A crown or other restoration is typically placed on the treated tooth to restore its strength and function.

Endodontic Retreatment

In some cases, a previously treated tooth may develop new issues or fail to heal properly. Endodontic retreatment involves the removal of the previous filling material, cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and applying new filling material to ensure the tooth’s long-term health.

Apicoectomy

Also known as root-end surgery, an apicoectomy is performed when conventional root canal therapy is insufficient or unsuccessful. It involves the removal of the infected tip of the tooth’s root and the surrounding infected tissue. The root tip is then sealed to prevent reinfection and promote healing.

Benefits of Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Preservation of Natural Teeth: Endodontics aims to save natural teeth from extraction, maintaining the integrity of your smile and bite.
  • Pain Relief: Endodontic procedures alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with dental pulp infections or injuries, allowing you to regain your oral health and quality of life.
  • Improved Oral Health: By treating and preventing infections, endodontics helps protect your overall oral health and prevents the spread of harmful bacteria to other teeth or areas of the body.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Endodontic treatment is often more cost-effective in the long run compared to tooth extraction and replacement options like dental implants or bridges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of an endodontist?

Endodontists are dental specialists who have undergone additional years of training after completing dental school. They possess expertise in diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp and root canal system. Endodontists utilize advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to provide efficient and effective treatment while ensuring patient comfort.

Is the endodontic treatment painful?

Endodontic procedures are performed under local anesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort during the treatment. After the procedure, any post-operative discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Can a tooth that has had root canal therapy become reinfected?

While rare, reinfection can occur if the tooth’s restoration becomes compromised or proper oral hygiene practices are not followed. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene help prevent reinfection.

How can I find a reputable endodontist in Everett, WA?

You can start by asking your general dentist for a referral. Additionally, online directories and reviews can provide valuable insights into the expertise and patient experiences of local endodontists.

Don’t Let Tooth Trauma Stop You — Visit Just Smile Dental 

We’re proud to be able to offer endodontic services for our patients so that they don’t have to go to multiple dentists to get the care that they need. We are constantly learning and growing to give you the very best dental care available.

If you have any questions about our endodontic services or if you need to be seen by our Everett, WA dentist, feel free to contact us today at (425) 341-1111. You can also request your appointment online. We’re proud to provide dental services to our patients in Edmonds, Marysville, Lynnwood, and Silver Firs, WA.