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The GentleWave Procedure is a state-of-the-art alternative to standard root canal treatment. The ultracleaning technology of the GentleWave Procedure is an advanced combination of fluid dynamics and a broad range of soundwaves that work together to reach into the microscopic spaces removing bacteria, debris and tissue. The GentleWave Procedure is so effective at cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system, there’s less chance of failure over time.
The GentleWave Procedure uses a minimally invasive protocol to access the infected root canal system, which means it is preserving more of the natural tooth and, in doing so, is helping to keep the tooth’s structure strong. With the GentleWave Procedure we can also typically clean and fill the tooth in just one appointment, which may reduce the number of appointments required.
Achieving an exceptional level of clean requires advanced endodontics—and that’s something we take pride in providing. Contact us today to discover the GentleWave Difference for yourself.
Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the tooth nerve is dying, or has already died and has left behind decaying tissues and bacteria. This process may cause the patient to experience pain to cold, hot and bite, or can happen silently without the patients’ knowledge. Regardless of symptoms, root canal treatment is necessary to prevent bone loss, a reaction of the body against the offending tooth. In the process of root canal treatment the diseased and dead tissues, the bacteria living on them, and the toxins the dead tissue and bacteria create, are all cleaned away using small, flexible instruments and disinfecting irrigation. The empty space is then filled with an inert material, usually being a synthetic rubber product called Gutta Percha, and sealer.
Root canal treatment is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or has become infected. A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has erupted through the gums.
Nonsurgical root canal procedure may not be enough to save a tooth and an endodontist will recommend surgery- to locate small fractures or hidden canals previously undetected on X-rays during the initial treatment. Surgery may also be needed to remove calcium deposits in root canals, or to treat damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone of the tooth.
No need to worry- advanced technologies like digital imaging and operating microscopes allow these procedures to be performed quickly and comfortably. There are many surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth. The most common is called an apicoectomy, or root-end resection, which may be needed when inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure.
Teeth that have had endodontic treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. Yet, a tooth that has received treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to exist. Sometimes, the pain may occur months or years after treatment. If so, endodontic retreatment may be needed.
Improper healing may be caused by:
- Curved or narrow canals were not treated during the initial treatment.
- Complicated canals went undetected during the initial treatment.
- The crown or restoration was not placed within the appropriate amount of time following the procedure.
- The crown or restoration did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth.
- New decay can expose a root canal filling material, causing infection.
- A cracked or loose filling or crown can expose the tooth to new infection.
Once retreatment has been selected as a solution to your problem, the doctors will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. This restorative material will be removed to enable access to the root canal. Dr. Shinn will now clean your canals and carefully examine the inside of the problematic tooth. Once cleaned, the doctors will fill and seal the canals and place a temporary filling in the tooth.
Whether your tooth cracks from an injury or general wear and tear, you can experience a variety of symptoms ranging from erratic pain when you chew your food to sudden pain when your tooth is exposed to very hot or cold temperatures. In many cases, the pain may come and go and your dentist may have difficulty locating the tooth causing the discomfort. If you experience these symptoms or suspect a cracked tooth, it’s best to see an endodontist as soon as possible.
Endodontists specialize in saving cracked teeth and will cater treatment to the type, location, and extent of the crack. The sooner your tooth is treated, the better the outcome. Once treated, most cracked teeth continue to function as they should, for many years of pain-free biting and chewing.
