When tooth pain strikes, it can disrupt your daily life, making eating, speaking, and even concentrating difficult. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth discomfort, sensitivity, or swelling, you may require endodontic treatment to save your natural tooth and relieve your pain. At Smiles West in Panorama City, CA, our experienced team provides expert endodontic care, ensuring that your smile remains healthy, functional, and pain-free.
What Is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp—the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, endodontic treatment is necessary to remove the infection and preserve the tooth. Without timely treatment, an infected tooth can lead to serious oral health complications, including abscesses and tooth loss.
Signs You Might Need Endodontic Treatment
Recognizing the signs of pulp infection or damage can help you seek timely treatment and prevent further complications. Common symptoms indicating the need for endodontic care include:
- Persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after exposure.
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth.
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums, which may indicate an abscess.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our team at Smiles West in Panorama City is here to provide expert diagnosis and treatment to restore your oral health.
Our Endodontic Services
At Smiles West, we offer a comprehensive range of endodontic treatments designed to alleviate pain, eliminate infection, and preserve your natural teeth. Our state-of-the-art technology and gentle approach ensure that you receive the highest quality care in a comfortable and stress-free environment.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is one of the most common endodontic procedures performed to save an infected or severely decayed tooth. During this procedure, we remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the root canals, and seal the tooth to prevent further infection. A dental crown is often placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and functionality. Contrary to popular belief, modern root canal treatments are no more painful than getting a routine filling and can provide long-lasting relief.
Root Canal Retreatment
In some cases, a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy may develop an infection again. Root canal retreatment involves reopening the tooth, cleaning out the infection, and resealing it to ensure complete healing. If you are experiencing pain in a previously treated tooth, our team can assess whether retreatment is necessary to restore your oral health.
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, is a procedure performed when a standard root canal treatment is not sufficient to remove an infection. During this minor surgical procedure, the tip of the tooth’s root is removed along with any infected tissue. The end of the root is then sealed to prevent further infection. This treatment is typically recommended when retreatment alone is not effective.
Pulpectomy
A pulpectomy is a procedure primarily performed on children’s primary teeth or in cases of severe infection in adult teeth. This treatment involves removing all the pulp tissue from the tooth to eliminate infection and alleviate pain. Once the infected tissue is removed, the canals are disinfected and filled with a medicated material to support healing. In children, this treatment can help preserve baby teeth until they are naturally ready to fall out.
Expert Care For A Pain-Free Smile
At Smiles West in Panorama City, CA, we understand that the thought of endodontic treatment can be intimidating. That’s why our skilled and compassionate team is dedicated to providing gentle, high-quality care that prioritizes your comfort and oral health. Whether you need a root canal, retreatment, or a specialized procedure, we utilize the latest techniques and technology to ensure efficient and effective treatment.
Don’t let tooth pain take over your life—schedule your endodontic consultation with Smiles West today. Call us now to book an appointment!
