Endodontist Serving Concord, CA

Root Canal Treatment. Root canals are endodontists' most commonly performed procedures. Root canals relieve dental pain and can save natural teeth from extraction.

The patient needs a root canal when the tooth's interior pulp becomes infected or inflamed. During a root canal, the endodontist opens the tooth's crown, cleans out the infected pulp, cleans and reshapes the canals, and fills them. The patient's general dentist then places a permanent crown on the affected tooth.

Endodontic Retreatment. Occasionally, root canals are not successful. Teeth that have received root canals may become painful again after months or years and need retreatment. The inside of the tooth may become infected once more if the dentist misses infected material or due to the introduction of food or saliva. Our skilled endodontists can retreat these teeth, relieving pain and extending the life of the tooth.

Endodontic Surgery. Endodontic surgery is also called apical surgery, a root tip resection, or an apicoectomy. The surgery becomes necessary when the underlying infection progresses to the tip of the root where a standard root canal cannot reach it.

This surgery involves removing the root tip, clearing the infection, and resealing the tooth. It is more invasive than a root canal because the endodontist must open the gum and bone to access the root tip. Most patients tolerate the surgery well.

Dental Trauma. Endodontists specialize in treating traumatic dental injuries. Teeth may be displaced, fractured, or knocked out (avulsed). Using their expertise, endodontists try to save these teeth whenever possible. Dr. Tittle is an expert on traumatic dental injuries and has lectured at conferences and meetings.

How long does a root canal take? A root canal usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the anatomy of the patient's canals.

Is a root canal painful? Root canals have a reputation for being uncomfortable, but today, a root canal is a relatively easy appointment. You may experience some soreness from holding your mouth open for an extended time and some tenderness after the procedure, but it should be minor, and you can return to work or school the same day.

How do you save a knocked-out tooth? Saving a knocked-out or avulsed tooth begins at home. Preserve the tooth by placing it in a glass of milk or keeping it inside your cheek. The endodontist will reseat the tooth in its socket and splint it to the adjoining teeth, where it can restore its connection to the jaw.

If you have dental pain or your family dentist has informed you that you need to see an endodontist, call Tittle Endodontics at 925-676-3388. We can relieve your dental pain and, in many cases, preserve your natural tooth from extraction.