Endodontics – Reno, NV
Safe & Comfortable Toothache Relief
Endodontics is a dental specialty dedicated to addressing problems with the dental pulp, a small bundle of soft tissue that is located within the center of each tooth. It actually contains the nerve of the tooth, so when it becomes infected or injured, it can cause the mother of all toothaches! Fortunately, our board-certified endodontist, Dr. Tim Adams, knows just how to take care of this particular problem to save even the most damaged teeth, and he’ll ensure your comfort from beginning to end. If you’re experiencing persistent pain in one of your teeth and want it to go away, we have the answer you’re looking for, so contact us today.
Root Canal Therapy
The most well-known endodontic treatment is root canal therapy, which is a procedure in which the damaged dental pulp we mentioned above is removed and the tooth is restored. Despite having a reputation as a painful procedure, it’s actually very comfortable when performed properly. Most of the time, it’s the pain of the initial infection that people mistake for the treatment! Dr. Adams is actually the only endodontist in northern Nevada currently trained to administer IV sedation, so when you come to see us, he’ll make sure you’re completely relaxed and protected from discomfort the entire time.
Endodontic Retreatment
After a tooth has undergone a root canal, it can sometimes develop another infection either due to new decay or an injury. This kind of issue can develop several months or even years after an initial treatment and lead to quite a bit of dental pain. To deal with this problem, Dr. Adams can perform what is called an endodontic retreatment, in which he’ll reopen the tooth, remove the infected tissue, and thoroughly clean the tooth before applying a new restoration.
Apicoectomies
If an infected tooth is not responding well to root canal therapy, Dr. Adams might suggest an apicoectomy. This is a surgical root canal procedure that accesses the infection directly, which is usually found at the very end of the root tip. During the procedure, a gum flap is lifted and the infection is removed directly along with a small segment of the root tip, which is no longer needed. Then the root tip is sealed, creating a double seal effect on the tooth. Oftentimes a bone graft is recommended to maintain the bone thickness during healing. After the procedure is done, stitches are placed in the area. This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia. However, if you are a little hesitant or would rather not remember this procedure, Dr. Adams can perform IV sedation for this procedure.
An apicoectomy can be a very effective procedure but not all teeth are good candidates. If the apicoectomy fails to resolve the infection, or if the tooth is not a good candidate, an extraction would be recommended.
PRF Technique
Platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, is a remarkable treatment that can speed up your recovery following root canal therapy or many of the other services we offer. PRF involves running a blood sample through a centrifuge, leaving a substance that is rich in platelets, which help in the regeneration of tissue. When a high concentration of platelets is applied to the treatment area, it expedites the rate at which your body is able to heal. It can even help to reduce post-op discomfort. Generally, if a PRF technique is used, a longer-lasting suture material is also used. This means your stitches would dissolve in about 5 weeks.