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David G. Johnson, D.D.S.
Endodontics essentially refer to services that treat the inside area of the tooth. Teeth contain multiple layers. The hard, outer layers are primarily used to protect the sensitive inner layers of the tooth. When enamel and dentin layers have worn away, the pulp of the tooth will become susceptible to damage. Teeth can’t heal themselves naturally, so endodontic services are vital in effectively preventing damage from escalating.
An endodontist is a specialist in the treatment of the inner areas of the teeth. Endodontists obtain further specialized schooling in addition to a traditional dental education. The experience and skill of endodontists can go a long way toward improving the likelihood that a tooth can be successfully saved. Endodontic services focus on treating the layer of pulp within the tooth.
These services generally include treatments like root canal therapy, apicoectomy, endodontic retreatment, and more. When damage occurs to the teeth, particularly the inner layer of the teeth, there are many reasons to obtain the services of a specialist. An endodontist can help to save the tooth, as well as prevent the damage from escalating to proportions that can harm the surrounding teeth, as well.
Here at David G. Johnson DDS, PC, we strive to provide the services necessary to save teeth that have experienced significant amounts of damage. High-quality endodontic services can provide an array of benefits to a smile, ensuring that they remain in the best possible condition for a prolonged period of time. When endodontic treatments become necessary, it is vital to obtain services quickly to raise the possibility of successfully saving the tooth.
Root canal therapy is used to save a tooth after the pulp has become inflamed or even infected. Unlike many other parts of the body, teeth are unable to heal naturally. After the pulp has become damaged, it is often necessary to remove the pulp to prevent damage from escalating to the tooth. When infection is allowed to spread, it can lead to abscessed teeth, tooth loss, and further spread of decay. Root canal therapy is a commonly used method to save teeth that have experienced significant amounts of decay and damage.
Endodontic retreatment is a procedure that is used to save a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy. It involves many of the same processes as root canal therapy, by reopening the tooth and cleaning out any infection. These procedures may become necessary when root canals missed an issue previously, when new decay has occurred, or for several additional reasons. Root canals can certainly last for the rest of your life when proper care is taken, but they don’t always, which is when endodontic retreatment often becomes useful.
Apicoectomy is commonly referred to as endodontic surgery. This is a final effort to save a tooth that has failed to respond to root canals or endodontic retreatment. It involves an incision to open the gum tissue near the infected tooth, which will expose the bone. Specialized equipment is used to remove the infected tissue, as well as the end of the root tips. Apicoectomy is generally a last-ditch effort to save a tooth that has experienced significant damage.
No. This is an outdated myth. With modern medicine and anesthesia, getting a root canal is no more painful than having a cavity filled. You will experience more soreness and sensitivity in the recovery period, but this alleviates over time when the procedure is done correctly. Many people find that root canals actually resolve the pain they were experiencing from infection, rather than causing more. If you have severe pain or pressure that lasts longer than a few days after your procedure, contact your endodontist.
We always do everything in our power to save your natural teeth. While artificial teeth have come a long way, nothing can completely replace your natural teeth. Root canals are often more cost-effective than extraction and can last you a lifetime. Extraction involves more intensive treatment and potentially more procedures. We generally only recommend extraction if nothing can be done to save your natural tooth.
The hard layer of enamel over the teeth serves to provide protection for the more sensitive layers of pulp within the tooth. Cracks can allow germs to penetrate into these more vulnerable layers, which can lead to tooth decay. There are multiple methods to repair cracked teeth, though the right method will depend on the type of crack that the tooth has sustained.
Traumatic injuries can occur in many different ways, including falls, auto accidents, sport injuries, and more. When a tooth has sustained a traumatic injury, it is likely that root canal therapy will become necessary in order to effectively save the tooth. It is vital to seek immediate endodontic care when you have sustained a traumatic dental injury, as the faster treatment is obtained, the more likely the tooth will be able to be saved.
Root resorption occurs when cells send the signal for tooth and bone structures to break down or rebuild. There are many different causes of root resorption and it can occur both internally or externally. Repairing root resorption is vital in preventing damage from escalating. These services must be obtained in the early stages to save the tooth and prevent tooth loss or extraction from becoming necessary.
No. X-rays are fast and comfortable processes. We use 3D Imaging (CBCT Scanning), which is one of the latest types of X-rays. This allows us to be able to see every little detail in your mouth so that we can provide you with the best possible treatment. It also uses a lower radiation level, at 18-200 millirems, depending on the size. You are exposed to more radiation in your daily life in a year than you are from our 3D Imaging.
This varies, depending on the type of procedure done and how complicated it is. We accept many different insurances and also accept patients without insurance. We do our best to keep endodontic treatment accessible. Contact us to learn more about our insurance and financial policies.
Dr. Johnson started his practice in 1990, located in Layton, Utah. He then opened a second office a year later in Centerville, Utah. He treats all aspects of endodontics, including root canal treatment, re-treatment, and microsurgical treatment of failing root canals, using all of the advanced technology available. Your dentist has referred you to our practice because they have your best interest at heart and want you to receive the best care possible. Our mission is to treat all patients with respect and kindness. We strive to aid you with your goal of saving your natural dentition in a pain-free manner.
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