Endodontics Questions

Studio City, Burbank, North Hollywood

Am I a good candidate for endodontic therapy?

If you have a seriously damaged natural tooth that has been weakened by decay or injury, a root canal may be necessary in order to save the tooth from extractions. Keeping your natural tooth has positive effects on the look and function of your mouth — so, in most cases, root canal endodontic therapy is more of a necessity than an option. Candidates for endodontic therapy have teeth that are damaged past the point of saving the tooth’s internal nourishment center called the dental pulp. Replacing this dental pulp not only keeps the tooth stable and strong, it prevents bacteria from further destroying the tooth’s interior. To find out if you are a candidate for a root canal, please contact endodontist at Smiles By Sands in Studio City today.

What is an "endodontist”?

An endodontist is a dental specialist who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of endodontic problems (issues arising in the tooth’s dental pulp, tooth root, and surrounding tissue). Although all dentists receive some degree of endodontic training, endodontists are skilled on all of the facets of endodontic therapy. Endodontists usually complete an additional two to three years of specialized study to learn advanced techniques. The most common type of endodontic treatment involves a root canal due to infected dental pulp. In some cases, endodontic therapy may be needed after old dental work causes a tooth to fracture.

How do I know if I need endodontic treatment?

If you experience series signs of a dental problem, such as these, contact Smiles By Sands to set up an appointment. The dentist will review your health and let you know if you’ll need to see our in-house endodontist.

  • Tooth or gum pain
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Gum tenderness or swelling
  • Broken or cracked tooth

How does endodontic therapy save the tooth?

The infected pulp will first need to be removed and the inside of the tooth cleaned. Then, the endodontist will fill the space with a special, safe material called gutta percha. The space is sealed and the tooth is ready for your dentist to place a crown or other restoration to ensure strength and functionality.

Smiles By Sands has been helping Studio City patients get healthy smiles that last. If you’d like to explore your smile enhancement options, or have concerns about your dental health, please contact us today for a free cosmetic dentistry consultation.