Endodontic Treatment in Germantown, MD

Endodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on treating the pulp at the center of the tooth as well as the tissues surrounding the roots of the tooth. The goal of endodontics is to save your natural teeth, rather than turning to extraction to remove them.

Endodontic treatment provides a variety of benefits: 

• Save your natural teeth. The ultimate goal of endodontic treatment is to save your natural teeth whenever possible. If a tooth can be restored with a root canal or a retreatment, it is always worth it to avoid having the tooth extracted. 

• Relieve pain. An infected tooth can be very painful. A root canal removes the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth that contains the nerves. Once the nerves are removed and the tooth is filled, it is no longer painful. 

• Treat and prevent infection. During a root canal the infected tissue is removed from the inside of the tooth, along with all of the dental pulp. The tooth is then filled with a rubbery material that prevents the tooth from being reinfected.

Our endodontic procedures include:

• ROOT CANALS (ENDODONTIC TREATMENT). Root canals, also known as endodontic treatment, are the most well known endodontic procedure. They are used whenever damage or infection has reached the pulp (nerve) of the tooth. During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth. Next, the tooth chamber is cleaned thoroughly and an antimicrobial solution is applied in order to prevent reinfection. The removed pulp is replaced with a rubber-like substance to fill the chamber, and then a dental crown, filling, inlay, or onlay is used to seal the tooth, restoring its function and appearance.

• ENDODONTIC RETREATMENT. Root canals have a very high success rate, but there are times when teeth may become reinfected months or even years after the procedure. When this occurs, we can use endodontic retreatment to save the tooth. During this procedure, we remove the restoration that covered the tooth, take out the rubber-like filling in the chamber, and clean the inside of the tooth again. After applying an antimicrobial solution and re-filling the chamber, a new restoration is used to seal the tooth.

• TOOTH PAIN TREATMENT. If you are experiencing unexplained tooth pain or sensitivity to hot or cold foods, it may be due to a cracked or fractured tooth or other issues in the pulp or root. We can help diagnose the cause and determine the best course of treatment.

• TOOTH TRAUMA TREATMENT. Whether a tooth has been knocked out or broken, we can repair damage resulting from accidents and facial trauma. Because the roots of the teeth are sensitive, it’s important to get prompt treatment for best results.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or extreme tooth sensitivity that persists after the aggravator has been removed, you may be a good candidate for endodontic treatment. You may also benefit from a root canal that is done proactively to prevent infection in a tooth that has a deep cavity, crack, or chip. Trauma of any kind to a tooth can result in the need for endodontic treatment to save the tooth.

Total Dental Care is a full service dental practice, providing general dentistry and dental specialties under one roof. We have a wide range of doctors on staff including general dentists, an endodontist, a periodontist, and an oral surgeon. Between all of our specialists and our skilled dental team, we can handle all of your dental needs right here. Our modern approach to dentistry puts patients at the center of our focus, providing a comfortable, relaxing environment.

A root canal is performed under local anesthesia that prevents the patient from feeling any discomfort. If you are anxious about receiving endodontic care, please let us know so that we can discuss our sedation options with you. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible while receiving the dental care you need. 

In some cases a tooth can become reinfected after being treated once with a root canal procedure. It is not common, but it does happen. Endodontic retreatment provides a new filling and the tooth is resealed to prevent reinfection.

You could have an infected tooth extracted instead of treated. However, leaving a gap in your mouth where a tooth should be is not recommended because it can cause your other teeth to shift out of place and replacing the tooth is costly. It is in your best dental health and financial interest to have the tooth treated rather than extracted whenever possible.

Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment. To be sure, it is best to contact your insurance provider to inquire about the specifics of your plan. Financing is available to make out of pocket costs more affordable.

To learn more, call 240-813-9111 or contact us today to schedule your appointment.