Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries to the teeth should be addressed as soon as possible to initiate treatment and prevent further damage.
Dislodged Teeth
Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets. Your endodontist or general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. Root canal treatment is usually started within a few weeks of the injury and a medication, such as calcium hydroxide, will be placed inside the tooth. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be placed.
Sometimes a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket. Again, your endodontist or general dentist may reposition and stabilize your tooth. If the pulp remains healthy, then no other treatment is necessary. Yet, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be required. If left untreated, many different complications can arise. These complications can include but are not limited to: Infection of the tooth, root system or surrounding tissue, inadequate hygiene due to an inability to properly clean the dislodged tooth and the gums, and loss of the tooth.
Avulsed Teeth
If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth, it is important that you are treated immediately! If this happens to you, keep the tooth moist. If possible, put it back into the socket. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist. You can even put the tooth in milk or a glass of water (add a pinch of salt.) Your Endodontist may start root canal treatment based upon the stage of root development. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored, may influence the type of treatment you receive.
Injuries in children
An injured immature tooth may need one of the following procedures to improve the chances of saving the tooth:
Apexogenesis/Vital Pulp Therapy
This procedure encourages the root to continue development as the pulp is healed. Soft tissue is covered with medication to encourage growth. The tip of the root (apex) will continue to close as the child gets older. In turn, the walls of the root canal will thicken. If the pulp heals, no additional treatment will be necessary. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chance to save the tooth.
Apexification
In this case, the unhealthy pulp is removed. The doctors place medication into the root to help a hard tissue form near the root tip. This hardened tissue provides a barrier for the root canal filling. At this point, the root canal walls will not continue to develop, making the tooth susceptible to fractures. So it is important to have the tooth properly restored by your dentist.
Regenerative Endodontics
Regenerative endodontics is one of the most exciting developments in dentistry today and endodontists are at the forefront of this cutting-edge research. Regenerative endodontics uses the concept of tissue engineering to restore the root canals of a tooth to a healthy state, allowing for continued development of the root and surrounding tissue. An endodontists’ knowledge can be applied to deliver biologically based regenerative endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth to result in continued root development, increased thickness in the dentinal walls and root-end closure. These developments in the regeneration of a functional pulp-dentin complex have a promising impact on efforts to retain the natural dentition, the ultimate goal of endodontic treatment.
Advanced Endodontic Associates
Patient Review from Bela D
The staff was wonderful, Thank you. I especially liked that Dr Simon explained every part of the procedure as we went along. Very comforting. Overall, a very congenial experience.
- Bela D
Patient Review from Stephen T
Dr Hetz told me throughout the procedure what he was doing and why that step of the procedure was important and how long it would take.
- Stephen T
Patient Review from France V
I was impressed by the efficiency of the harmonious team work of the dentist and his assistant treating delicately my root canal.
- France V
Patient Review from Michael W
First let me say the fear I had of ever needing another root canal. But, four days before my child's wedding which was out of the country. I was having dinner and out of blue the tooth next to my front tooth started to hurt when I "tapped" it. I knew I was in trouble. Since I am in the healthcare field, I had heard about the "GentleWave" procedure and Dr. Menhinick. I waited ten days to get back to the States by taking an antibiotic so I could see Dr. Menhinick. (YMMV) I knew how important it is to remove the nerve, remove the pulp and clean the tooth to avoid re-infection. I wanted to avoid a apicoectomy in the future or loose my tooth! Dr. Menhinick took the time to explain the procedure every step of the way. After it was over, I took an OTC pain pill. (Just in case of pain after the novocaine would wear off). I never followed up with another pain pill because I did not need too! I hope I never need her services again, but, I would recommend Dr. Menhinick if I did or if someone I knew needed a root canal.
- Michael W
Patient Review from Richard C
We have been to the office numerous times. All have been a pleasure....with the exception of having to go at all! The dental assistants are kind and knowledgeable, the doctors are exceptional and the “front office” beyond description! Here’s to Margaret, Jaime and Alan for making our visits so pleasant.
- Richard C
Patient Review from Ana M
Dr Hetz is an outstanding endodontist. He is a true professional and very nice. He is incredibly knowledgeable and explains everything he is doing in detail to make you feel so comfortable. I would not have been happier with my experience. The dental work I had done was shockingly painless. Everyone was super welcoming, genuine, professional, kind and caring. From arrival through departure, they were excellent and thoughtful in their approach and they offered a comprehensive overview of what needed to be done and why would need to be done in the future. The office is nice and inviting, and everything is state-of-the-art. I love their technology. Thanks for your expertise and hospitality!
- Ana M
Patient Review from Michael T
The staff here are friendly and thorough. Dr. Assadipour walked me through her evaluation process and also provided explanations of the root canal treatment process throughout the treatment and very thoughtfully discussed what to expect for that tooth afterwards. It was clear that she was making her recommendations based on the best interest of the patient. She also took excellent care to ensure I was comfortable during the procedure. A root canal is no one's preferred way to spend an hour, and there are a lot of interesting instruments that fly past your eyes, but their demeanor and expertise with the procedure made for a good experience.
- Michael T
Patient Review from Alla S
Dr. Simon is one of the best doctors I have met. I was under his care for over 25 years. His high professionalism, thoughtful, skilled approach to patients' condition and his personal skills deserves admiration.
- Alla S
Patient Review from Norman K
Dr. Ribera and all his staff of assistants were superbly kind and helpful. Dr.Ribera himself was extremely friendly and thoughtful as well as professional .He often explained each step of the procedure and alleviated any concerns I may have had. I also enjoyed the classical music that he played during the procedure (Beethoven's Emperor Concerto).
- Norman K
Patient Review from Mike R
- Mike R
Patient Review from Kacey M
- Kacey M
Patient Review from Justin P
- Justin P
Patient Review from Ellen P
No pain during, after, night of, next day of procedure!
- Ellen P
Patient Review from Lisa B
Always a friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. The experience was as pleasant as a root canal can be!
- Lisa B
Patient Review from Virginia H
I really appreciate your working me in on a emergency basis, and you did a great job. The procedure was as comfortable as a root canal could be.
- Virginia H
Patient Review from Marta M
Wonderful and caring treatment with doctor Cantamessa
- Marta M
Patient Review from Jocelyn K
Dr. Simon could not have been more caring. He explained every step of the process to me and constantly checked in to make sure that I was comfortable. Root canal is not fun, but it was about as good as it gets!
- Jocelyn K
Patient Review from Minoo R
Dr. Assadipour is amazing. I had two root canals before my brother recommended Dr. Assadipour to fix the root canal that was still causing me pain. She saved my tooth and she did it so gently that with all the fear of injection and root canal I have from past experience, I almost fell asleep. She is the best! I am so greatful to Dr. Assadipour and her wonderful staff! Thank you!!
- Minoo R
Patient Review from Peter R
- Peter R
Patient Review from Carolyn W
So much easier than I expected. Absolutely no pain following the procedures. Great receptionist.
- Carolyn W