What Procedures Does an Endodontist Perform?

Endodontists specialize in managing pain and infection coming from your tooth. But, what procedures does an endodontist perform? The procedure that they do most often is root canal treatment. 

Endodontic Evaluation – What Procedures Does an Endodontist Perform?

The most important thing about your treatment is getting an accurate diagnosis.  If the diagnosis is wrong, does it matter how well the treatment was done? So, let’s delve into what procedures does an endodontist performs.

Diagnosing tooth pain is actually more complex than it first seems.  Tooth pain often refers.  It can feel like it is coming from one tooth while it is actually caused by another.  

Clenching and grinding your teeth stresses your jaw muscles.  The pain caused in the muscle can also refer to a tooth.

Changes in your bite or occlusion can also manifest as pain.  Adjusting your bite slightly can often simply solve your problem.

If your problem is isolated to a tooth, then determining if and how to fix it is important.  Your decision will be easier if you know what is happening and why it occurred. 

Seeking a second opinion is always an option if you are uncertain about your diagnosis.  Most endodontists accept self-referrals

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

You can expect your root canal treatment to be painless.  We will take the time, and have the experience, to make your treatment comfortable.

Treatment starts with making sure the area is fully numb.  Your tooth will be covered with a dental dam.  This prevents saliva from leaking into your tooth during treatment.  A tiny access opening will be made into your tooth.  

The Lightwalker dental laser, along with delicate instruments, will be used to fully disinfect the inside of your tooth.  Dr. Karmali uses the Lightwalker Dental Laser in all of his treatments.  The Lightwalker is the only laser able to perform SWEEPS® (Shock Wave Enhanced Emission Photo-acoustic Streaming).

SWEEPS allows for 3- dimensional streaming of the disinfectants throughout the complex root canal system.  The irrigants are able to penetrate into the deepest area of the root.  The root canal is left virtually bacteria and debris-free. 

Sealing the cleaned root canal system happens next.   Finally, the small access opening is restored.  We will use the highest quality proven materials for all of your care.  

Dr. Karmali will always review your case and what to expect from you.  Typically, our patients experience little, if any, post-operative discomfort.

Root Canal Retreatment

Root canals treatments can fail.  Often, it is because bacteria was left in the tooth or it leaked into the tooth.   Dr. Karmali specializes in retreating root canals that have failed.  He can often save your tooth, even if extraction has been recommended. 

All of your questions will be answered at your comprehensive evaluation appointment.  Dr. Karmali will take the time to determine what is causing your problem, why it is happening, and the best ways to fix it. 

Lowry Endodontics has the latest technology and experience to accurately diagnose and treat complex problems.

Managing Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Cracked teeth are very common.  Our daily diet alone over time can cause structural defects in the tooth.  Clenching and grinding your teeth, along with ice chewing, can accelerate the damage.

Not all cracked teeth hurt.  When they do hurt, it can be difficult to determine what to do next.  Should a crown be placed?  Should root canal treatment be done before the crown is placed?  Is the crack too far progressed and should the tooth be extracted?  

Cracked teeth are tricky to diagnose, treat and predict.  Dr. Karmali manages a tremendous number of cracked teeth.  At your evaluation, the latest 3D imaging technology will be used to determine the extent of the damage.  All treatment options will be discussed.  We want you to make the best informed decision about your health.

Endodontic Surgery (Apicoectomy)

Apicoectomy (endodontic surgery) may be an alternative treatment in certain cases.  It is often required when an initial root canal treatment fails and can’t be retreated.  

A small incision is made and the infection is removed from around the root tip.  The area is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. 

Resorption Management

Resorption happens when your bone cells decide to dissolve your tooth away.  It is a process that is poorly understood and often misdiagnosed.  Careful diagnosis is essential. 

A high-resolution 3D scan will help determine the extent of the damage.  Dr. Karmali will help you determine if treatment is even necessary.  Oftentimes, the best treatment would be no treatment at all.  

Dr. Karmali has successfully helped other patients with resorption and chronicles those cases on the website.

Differences Between an Endodontist and a Dentist

Endodontists differ from general dentists in their extra years of training.  The training should never really stop, however.  Dr. Karmali is constantly refining existing techniques and developing new ones.  The latest proven technologies bring precision and predictability to his care.

When to Visit an Endodontist

Many patients have a solid relationship with their General Dentist.  You see your dentist usually 2-3 times a year for exams, cleaning, x-rays, fillings, and crowns.  

If you have a problem with the nerve inside your tooth, your General Dentist may refer you to an Endodontist (root canal specialist.)  You may also elect to do your own research and self-refer.  

Here’s another answer to what procedures does an endodontist perform. The most common reason to meet with the endodontist is tooth pain.  Severe temperature sensitivity may mean that the nerve in your tooth is dying.  

Once the nerve dies, it becomes infected.  The infection can spread into your jaw bone.  Pain, swelling, and pustules can all be signs of infection.  These infections can also be “silent” and have no outward manifestations.  These “silent” infections can do extensive damage before they are detected.  

Do I need a referral from my General Dentist?

Not necessarily. 

Although most patients are referred by their General Dentists, self-referrals can also be made.

You want the best care possible.  It is common to do some research to find the best endodontist for you.  The quality of care, cost, and proximity are just a few of the variables involved. 

In our practice at Lowry Endodontics, patients who refer themselves often come for one of the following reasons:

• Patients that want a very high level of specialty care.
• Patients referred from friends and family.
• Patients that want painless and predictable care.
• Patients who need a second or third opinion on a complex diagnosis.

If you are coming from out of state, please let us know so that we can make the most of your valuable time.  

Contact Lowry Endodontics to Make an Appointment for Diagnosis or Treatment

If you need endodontic care, contact us at Lowry Endodontics in Denver, Colorado. We will provide you with high-quality care, using the latest technology.