OUR SPECIALTIES

Endodontics

What is an Endodontist?

Endodontics in Tarzana, CA

If you are reading this page, it probably means that your General Dentist has referred you to see an Endodontist for consultation and/or treatment on one or more of your teeth. You may be thinking, “what is an Endodontist and why am I being referred?”

An Endodontist is a dental specialist who deals with infections that occur inside the tooth. You might be experiencing pain to hot or cold temperatures, biting, swelling, gum sensitivity, abscess, discoloration of the tooth, or you may have no symptoms at all. You might be experiencing these symptoms because of deep decay, trauma, chipping, cracking, or repeated dental procedures. In some cases, the inside of a tooth (called the pulp) dies, or becomes necrotic, for no apparent reason.

There are several ways in which Endodontist save teeth that have infections or necrosis, but most common procedure is called a root canal treatment. More than 14 million teeth receive some form of root canal treatment each year—you’re not alone. Moreover, you’re in good hands. All Endodontist complete two years of post-doctorate education to become a specialist. That’s approximately 10 years of college.

Your oral health is our top priority, and visiting an Endodontist is an important step in addressing any issues you may have. By tackling infections or decay early on, we help prevent further complications that could affect your overall well-being. Our Endodontist is dedicated to providing effective treatments that not only save your teeth but also contribute to your long-term oral health. You can rest assured that with our specialised care, you are taking proactive measures to maintain a healthy smile and improve your quality of life. We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to optimal oral health.

EMERGENCY VISITS

All appointments start with a consultation exam. However, an emergency appointment can be made if you are in too much pain and can not wait to schedule a two hour appointment.

The doctor can perform a procedure which opens the tooth to remove the nerve, then packs the tooth with medication to kill infection, and finally places a temporary filling. This procedure significantly reduces pain and starts the healing process until you are able to return to finish the root canal.

If you live in or around Tarzana and experiencing tooth ache,

call us today!

YOUR FIRST VISIT

Your first appointment with our office is generally a consultation. Make sure to show up for your appointment 10 minutes early to fill out necessary paperwork. To help you fill out these forms properly, remember to bring your insurance card, subscriber information, and a referral from your general dentist. Bring a list of medications you are taking, and any allergies that you may have.

During your consultation we review the existing structure to create a personalized plan for you. Unfortunately, not all teeth can be saved by root canal treatment. If the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, or the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support, then there is a possibility that the tooth cannot be restored.

Clinical testing will be done on the affected tooth to arrive at a diagnosis. This process starts with a digital x-ray of the tooth. The tooth is then tested for pain to bite, palpation, percussion, cold, and heat sensitivity. The doctor will assess the mobility of the tooth and the health of the surrounding gum tissue. It is highly important NOT TO TAKE PAIN KILLERS PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT. Taking pain killers will mask your symptoms, therefore making your clinical tests invalid.

Once a diagnosis is made by the doctor, a treatment plan will be presented to you by a professional treatment coordinator. A quote will be given to you explaining your insurance benefits and financial responsibilities. Then an appointment will be made for your root canal treatment.

YOUR APPOINTMENT

When you call our office, a friendly voice will be able to guide you through scheduling your appointment. With our flexible office hours, you will find it easy to make an appointment if you have an emergency. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, let our staff know. We will make sure we do everything possible to get you seeing a doctor as soon as possible.

When you come for your appointment here is a list of questions that we will ask for you to prepare before your visit:

Who is your dental insurance provider?
Who is the primary subscriber on you dental Insurance?
What is the primary subscriber’s date of birth?
What is the primary subscriber's identification number?
Who is your general dentist?
What is your general dentist's telephone number?
Do you have any medical conditions that require you to take an antibiotic prior to being treated by a dentist?

Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the cavernous space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth is located.

If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The exposure of pulp happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth. Your dentist can explain the exact reason for damage to this tissue. In these cases, the treatment is usually root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed with special materials. Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. After root canal treatment is complete, your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on your tooth to safeguard against fracture.

If you live in or around Tarzana and have any questions about root canal treatment, give us a call today!

When a root canal treatment fails, the first course of action that is usually taken is trying to re-do the root canal treatment. It is usually done by an Endodontist (root canal specialist) or an experienced general dentist.

The process is very similar to Root canal Treatment, the difference is that besides taking any remaining infected tissue out, the doctor has to take old filling material, any posts and crowns or any other obstacle in the pulp space out to be able to successfully disinfect and seal the area of the root canal.

After the root canal treatment is done your restorative dentist will place a crown to protect the tooth against fractures.

If you live in or around Tarzana and have any questions about complications with root canal treatments, give us a call today!

Created by DearDoc.