Top-Rated Houston Endodontist

Root canal treatments are performed to prevent or cure the periradicular infection (infection in the bone adjacent to the roots). The basis is to eliminate bacterial infection that has entered the root system of the tooth. The tooth’s defense system can only tolerate so much insult. Therefore, if the infection is too significant, significant symptoms and damage to the surrounding tissues will occur.

On occasion, patients need retreatment of root canals or root end surgery (apicoectomy). Retreatment happens when there is re-contamination or persistent infection due to anatomical variations of the root system. Most treatments take just one appointment. Patients typically return to work or daily duties immediately.

All dentists, including your general dentist, received some training in endodontics during dental school. Endodontists are specialists with two to three years of specialized training beyond dental school that perform only endodontic procedures. Endodontic treatments are both routine and complex. They are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that is difficult to diagnose. Often, general dentists and other specialists refer patients needing endodontic treatment.

No! Today’s root canal treatments don’t need to be painful. The progress in technology has provided endodontists with tools to support in administering profound anesthesia, therefore eliminating the fear and anxiety of treatment. A root canal is like any other routine visit to the dental office.

If you are diagnosed with the need of a root canal or re-treatment of a root canal, you always have the option of having your tooth extracted. The options left if you chose to do so are: do nothing about the empty space or attain a removable partial, bridge, or implant. In many cases, unless you have the correct information, you might lose a tooth that could have otherwise been saved with a simple painless⁺ root canal procedure.

Complicated cases do not necessarily mean that your tooth needs to be extracted. Many endodontic treatments can save natural teeth for a lifetime. The consequences of extracting a natural tooth are not individual. It can affect the distribution of forces to the remaining teeth and cause more stress, resulting in a higher likelihood of damaging the adjacent teeth. Your teeth also tend to shift when they are not in contact with one another, resulting in the unfavorable movement that causes food traps and cavities.

A bridge or removable partial can be made by anchoring onto adjacent teeth, but this too can cause unfavorable stress and potentially damage the adjacent anchoring teeth. Implants, the more favorable of these options, can take six to eight months to complete and in many cases will also require bone grafting and additional surgeries. Before deciding what road to choose, be informed of your available options, and consider what can be done to save your natural teeth.

With research and technological advances, the field of endodontics has seen some of the most progress of any dental specialty. The use of visual magnification through microscopes with enhanced lighting has allowed endodontists to locate anatomical variations that lead to the failure of root canals. CBCT is one of the most important innovations in dental diagnostics and has set an unparalleled standard of patient care. This scan eliminates any guess-work in diagnosis. Teeth that were questionable for fractures or failing root canals can be analyzed to determine what is going on and perform the correct treatment accurately.

Endodontic Associates of Houston is the product of extensive research, thoughtful planning, and insightful vision. The dentists and staff put the fundamental concept of the endodontic office under the microscope, examining it with the same eye for detail and perfectionist discernment that underlies clinical excellence in endodontics. Endodontic Associates of Houston enjoy a culture of compassion. The team wants patients to feel at ease.

A technologically advanced office, the practice is state-of-the-art from its paperless records to the latest equipment which speaks to its primary focus —a painless⁺ and positive experience at every visit.