Endodontics
Did your dentist recently inform you that you or your child must undergo a root canal or pulpotomy? Don’t worry. The truth is that endodontic treatment is less intimidating and more comfortable than one might think. At Amigos Dental Care, Dr. Todd Petersen and Dr. Tad Tholstrom use modern technology and techniques to prevent internal tooth damage, increase patient comfort, and ensure patients feel safe during endodontic treatment.
What is endodontics, and why do people undergo root canals and pulpotomies?
Teeth are more complex than they appear. Each tooth consists of many layers and components, including the dental pulp (or the core layer underneath the enamel that is filled with tissue and nerves). When the dental pulp is infected or inflamed, endodontic treatment becomes necessary.
At Amigos Dental Care, Dr. Petersen and Dr. Tholstrom perform root canal therapy and pulpotomies to treat the inside of the tooth. Endodontic treatment is relatively common, and they might recommend it in one of the following scenarios:
- Deep cavities
- Fractures
- Cracked teeth
- Trauma
- Recurring dental treatments (such as repeated dental fillings)
Endodontic Treatments Intended to Save Your Natural Smile
Our Salt Lake City endodontic dentists typically suggest this treatment to avoid dental extraction. If a patient comes into our office complaining about severe dental pain, we will look closer at the tooth they are complaining about to look for signs of swelling, discoloration, or damage. Then, Dr. Petersen and Dr. Tholstrom often suggest undergoing a low-radiation digital radiograph to diagnose any underlying dental issues since symptoms aren’t always obvious. If our Amigos Dental Care team suspects an inner tooth infection, we might suggest one of the following endodontic treatments:
- Root Canal Therapy: Root canals are the most common type of endodontic procedure. During root canal therapy, our dentist carefully removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, fills it with a biocompatible material, and seals it to prevent reinfection. Afterward, we often strengthen the treated tooth with a dental crown to reinstate function and form.
- Pulpotomy: Sometimes, a pulpotomy is called a “baby root canal” because the procedure is similar to a root canal but far less invasive. During a pulpotomy, only the dental pulp in the top (or crown) of the tooth is treated and capped with a dental filling or crown afterward.
Amigos Dental Care Can Help You Make an Informed Decision About Your Dental Health
If the inside of your tooth is infected, endodontic treatments are the best way to save your tooth from removal. Talk to our Amigos Dental Care team if you notice root canal pain, dental sensitivity, or other signs of deep dental infection. Early intervention improves the likelihood of success with root canal therapy and pulpotomies. If left untreated, inner tooth infections worsen, causing severe discomfort, abscesses, and potentially tooth loss. Call (385) 295-1601 or request an appointment online to learn more about your endodontic treatment options while you still have a chance.
