Endodontics
At NKC Dental in North Kansas City and West Plaza, MO, we offer a range of services that include endodontics, diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions that affect the teeth, such as problems with the root canal or dental pulp. We aim to help our patients preserve their natural teeth and keep them functional while addressing pain or disorders that lead to dysfunction.
Understanding Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery is any kind of surgical procedure that involves the root of the tooth or the area around it. Endodontic surgery is performed for multiple reasons, including identifying fractures or hidden canals you can’t see on X-rays, treating infections, removing calcium deposits, or even repairing damage to the bone. Some of the most common endodontic surgeries include root amputations, hemisections, and apicoectomies. Our team is highly skilled in Endodontics and can consult with you about the surgery or surgeries that could be right for you based on your current dental health.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a standard dental procedure that is used to treat an infection or damage inside a tooth. During a root canal treatment, infected and inflamed pulp, the soft tissue of the center of the tooth, is removed. Without root canal treatment, it is most likely that an infected tooth would need to be extracted.
A root canal is usually advised when the soft tissues of a tooth have become inflamed and infected. In that case, the tooth typically has deep decay and trauma.
You may realize you need a root canal if you have regular pain in your teeth, struggle with hot and cold sensitivity, or have signs of an abscess (a bump) near the tooth. A root canal usually takes around an hour, and you’ll receive a crown to protect the area and prevent fractures.
The alternative to a root canal is to remove the tooth, which is also a possibility in some severe cases. If the tooth cannot be saved and you need an extraction, then you can have the tooth replaced through several means. Bridges, dentures, and implants are all possible when extractions are the only option.
Root Canal Re-Treatment
Root canal re-treatment is a second root canal procedure performed when the first fails or when complications occur. For example, if a canal is missed during the original root canal, root canal re-treatment may be used to seal it and save the tooth.
You may need root canal re-treatment if you have persistent pain, have broken a crown or filling, or have any signs of infection.
What Is Root End Surgery/Apicoectomy?
Root-end surgery is also known as an apicoectomy and is a minor procedure that is common among dental patients. It is performed when there is an infection around the root of a tooth. During a root-end surgery, the tip of the tooth root is removed, allowing the infection and inflammation to be treated. If this process does not work, the next stage is a tooth extraction.
A root-end surgery is usually performed when a root canal has failed. To perform this surgery, your endodontist will make an incision into the gums. Then, they will expose the root of the tooth and remove the root tip and any infected tissues around it. After cleaning the area, it will be filled to prevent an infection from returning. You will have one or more sutures in the gums to help with healing.
How Do You Know If You Need Endodontic Surgery?
Typically, if you regularly see your dentist, you will know if there is an infection (such as an abscess or infection of the tooth’s pulp) that needs to be addressed. You may also be scheduled for endodontic surgery if you are having problems with a tooth that doesn’t seem to have a cause on an X-ray. In some instances, it is difficult to see all canals or parts of a tooth on an X-ray, so having surgery can be exploratory and help identify issues leading to pain or inflammation.
Schedule Your Endodontics Appointment in North Kansas City, MO, With NKC Dental
Endontontics are essential to dentistry and can help you keep teeth that have become badly damaged or infected by treating the underlying cause. We make it easy to get through them with appropriate consultations, pain management, and support so you can relax and know your dental health is in good hands.
Whether you think you need a root canal or some other kind of dental surgery, our endodontics team can help. Call us today at 1-816-974-9418 for our North Kansas City office, or reach us at 1-913-350-1111 to speak with our West Plaza staff. We’re here to support you in any way we can. Please call to make an appointment for a consultation and to set up your visit.
