Endodontics

Endodontics refers to the dental treatments and procedures aimed at preserving teeth that have been infected or injured. It primarily involves addressing issues within the tissues surrounding the tooth root, with root canal therapy being the most common treatment. Contrary to popular belief, root canals are designed to alleviate pain, not induce it!

Why Choose Dr. Ken Morgan for Endodontic Services?

Dr. Ken Morgan’s commitment to providing exceptional dental care extends to endodontic treatments. His proficiency in endodontics, combined with a gentle approach and state-of-the-art technology, ensures that your teeth receive the best possible care. Choosing Dr. Morgan for your endodontic needs means entrusting your dental health to a dentist dedicated to preserving your natural teeth and maintaining your radiant smile.

Understanding Endodontic Care

When tooth decay is detected early, it can be easily treated by a general dentist through a filling procedure. However, if left untreated, the decay may progress beyond the tooth’s outer layers and infiltrate the soft tissue housing the nerves. At this stage, endodontic treatment is necessary to maximize the chances of saving the tooth. If the decay worsens, an abscess may form at the tooth root, exposing the infection and risking its spread to other body parts. In extreme cases, extraction and replacement with a prosthetic may be the only option.

Preserving natural teeth is always the preferred course of action. While prosthetics have significantly improved over time, they still can’t replicate the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. Additionally, prosthetics tend to be more expensive than endodontic procedures and often necessitate multiple dental visits.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients in need of a root canal may experience pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or discoloration of the infected tooth. Some patients may not exhibit any symptoms. Dentists often identify the need for endodontic treatment through digital imaging and exams during routine hygiene appointments.

Endodontists: Specialists in Saving Teeth

While general dentists are trained in basic endodontics and can perform routine root canals, they often refer patients with complex cases to endodontists. Endodontists are specialists who have completed at least two additional years of training and are equipped with advanced technology and techniques for preserving natural teeth.

A successful root canal treatment involves the thorough removal of infected tissue from all tooth root canals, preventing further decay. Due to the varying shapes of teeth, complex or narrow root canals can make root canal therapy more challenging without an endodontist’s specialized training and technology.

Root canals are often perceived as painful, but endodontists strive to change that misconception. Their expertise in anesthetics ensures patient comfort during procedures. Moreover, they excel in diagnosing oral and facial pain that may be difficult for other medical or dental professionals to pinpoint.

We take pride in offering endodontic care at our office. Please contact us to discuss our services and how we can address your endodontic needs.