Endodontics

If you develop a severe toothache or a sensation of heat in your gums, endodontics can identify the cause and help guide treatment. At Double Diamond Dental in Reno, Nevada, general and restorative dentist Michael A. Morgan, DDS, and his team regularly perform endodontic procedures in-house, including root canal therapy and root canal retreatment. Call the office to schedule an endodontic consultation or book online today.

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is an oral health subspecialty that diagnoses and treats problems with the tooth pulp (a substance inside your teeth that contains nerves and blood vessels) and the root canals (a network of intricate tunnels inside your teeth). 

If you have a severe toothache or get hit in the mouth and your tooth becomes loose, endodontic treatment can stop the pain and prevent the need for extractions.

When is endodontic treatment needed?

At Double Diamond Dental, the team uses endodontic treatment to address tooth pulp damage and root canal infections, caused by:

• Untreated cavities
• Undergoing extensive dental work
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Getting hit in the mouth

If you have a toothache, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, and they don’t improve with at-home treatments, like ice and over-the-counter pain medication, call Double Diamond Dental immediately. 

What services does endodontics provide?

At Double Diamond Dental, the team offers various endodontic services, including:

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp from the center of your tooth.

During treatment, your provider uses special tools to remove the inflamed connective tissue and blood vessels from inside your tooth. They then clean your tooth out, fill it with a material called gutta-percha, and cap your tooth with a crown. The crown restores your tooth to its original shape and size, preventing further damage.

Root canal retreatment

Sometimes, teeth treated with root canal therapy develop a secondary infection. If that happens, the team might recommend root canal retreatment. 

During root canal retreatment, your provider removes the crown from your tooth and uses special tools to cleanse your root canals (microscopic tunnels inside your teeth). Afterward, they refill your tooth with gutta-percha and cover it with a crown. Root canal retreatment eliminates the infection and restores your smile.

What is recovery like after endodontics?

After endodontic treatment, it’s normal to experience mild swelling and increased tooth sensitivity. Take it easy for at least 24 hours, getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of water. Take your medications as prescribed and follow your provider's recovery instructions. You can return to work and other routine activities within a day or two.

To see if you can benefit from endodontics, call Double Diamond Dental and make an appointment or book online today.