Root canals are safe procedures that can save your natural teeth. Root canals remove and treat infected pulp inside the tooth, relieving pain and potentially saving natural teeth from extraction.

Reasons Why You May Need a Root Canal

Dental Pain

If your tooth is painful when you chew on it or has a sharp pain that comes and goes, chances are you need a root canal. You may also have pus around your gum line or pimple-like swellings. If you notice these symptoms, call an endodontist as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Severe Decay

If your tooth has decayed to the stage where the interior becomes exposed, you may need a root canal. If the tooth's interior is exposed, saliva and food could enter and cause the pulp to become infected.

Broken Tooth or Dental Trauma

Teeth frequently break when people fall, or experience blows to the face, such as a sports accident. A broken tooth will let in bacteria and expose the sensitive pulp. A root canal will stabilize the tooth.

Cracked Tooth

If your pain comes and goes and your tooth feels unstable, it may have cracked. Endodontists can treat cracked teeth by performing a root canal.

The Root Canal Procedure

Today, root canals are highly advanced. When performed by a qualified endodontist, the procedure is comfortable for the patient and has excellent results.

First, the endodontist opens the tooth's crown. They remove the inflamed or infected pulp from the tooth's interior. They go deep into the root canals using specialized instruments, removing the pulp and clearing the infection. Many endodontists use surgical microscopes and other tools to ensure that they remove all of the damaged material.

Depending on the infection's severity, the endodontist may place an antibiotic inside the tooth and a temporary filling. In a few days, the endodontist fills the tooth with gutta-percha and seals it with a temporary crown. The patient visits their general dentist for a permanent crown to complete the repair.

Are Root Canals Painful?

This misconception comes from decades ago when root canal treatment had not advanced to its current level. Today, most patients report that a root canal causes no more discomfort than a standard filling. Most patients who have not had a root canal in years are surprised to find how comfortable the procedure can be.

Choose an Endodontist

When getting a root canal, always opt for an endodontic specialist. An endodontist has extensive training and experience in root canals and can make the procedure as safe and comfortable as possible. If you see a general dentist for a root canal, chances are that you will have to repeat the procedure in the future.

Call Rhode Island Endodontics

If you need a root canal procedure, call our Warwick, RI, office at 401-337-9150. We can make a convenient appointment, relieve your pain, and do our best to save your natural tooth from extraction.

If a tooth that underwent a root canal in the past again becomes painful or develops other problems, an endodontist may need to perform a procedure called retreatment. Retreatment is also known as a repeat root canal.

Reasons for Endodontic Retreatment

One of the primary reasons for endodontic retreatment is when the dentist who performed the original procedure missed infected material deep inside the root canals. Endodontists have the essential training and experience to help perform this procedure with high skill and precision.

Root canal anatomy varies from person to person and can be highly complex. Canals may be curved or narrow, leading to difficulty in cleaning and shaping them. Another reason for endodontic retreatment is that the treated tooth's interior has been exposed to food and saliva, leading to a new infection. This situation can happen if a crown or filling falls out or a delay occurs between the initial root canal and the restoration.

A new infection in the previously treated tooth can happen if new decay exposes the filling material to bacteria. A repeat root canal may also be necessary if the treated tooth suffers a new fracture.

The Retreatment Process

The process of endodontic retreatment is much like a primary root canal. First, the endodontist drills into the tooth and removes the material inside called gutta-percha.

After removing the filler, the endodontist cleans and shapes the root canals, removing the infection. They may place an antibiotic inside the tooth and allow a few days for the infection to subside before refilling it and sending the patient to the dentist for a permanent crown.

Symptoms that Indicate the Need for Retreatment

The symptoms pointing to the need for endodontic retreatment are the same as when the tooth needs an initial root canal. Tooth pain is the primary symptom, including pain when chewing and sensitivity to heat and cold. In advanced cases, the patient may experience swelling (an abscess) or see pus along the gum line. Symptoms may happen shortly after the initial root canal or may take years to develop.

Benefits of Endodontic Retreatment

The primary benefit of endodontic retreatment is that it saves teeth from extraction. The patient can avoid surgical risks associated with a tooth extraction. A second root canal procedure is generally more affordable than a bridge or implant. Restoring the patient's quality of life and enabling them to chew and eat pain-free is vital.

Call Rhode Island Endodontics

If your tooth previously had a root canal but has begun to hurt again, don't hesitate to call us at 401-337-9150. We can relieve your pain, restore your tooth, and lower the chances that your tooth will need future extraction.

As humans we only get one set of adult teeth in our lifetime and with our increasing life expectancy, our natural teeth need to be maintained for us to function effectively as we get older.  Root Canal procedures are designed to save teeth from the alternative option to lose the tooth forever. It is only fair that when the stakes are so high, that you as a patient should be treated by the most skilled professional with the best and latest technology. It is statistically proven by long term studies that root canal procedures have a significantly higher percentage of success when performed by an Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist) compared to General Dentists who offer these services.   

Root Canal procedures require modern technology, such as Dental Operating Microscope for enhanced visualization of the inside of the tooth and root. Enhanced imaging techniques such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans are also required in select cases that show the Jaw Bone and the tooth in three dimensions to visualize infection, cracks and internal anatomy. The use of this technology and the fact that an Endodontist is a specialist who only focuses on root canals for their career,  offer the best possible chances of a successful outcome for a root canal. 

Why Are Root Canals Necessary?

 A Tooth is a living structure and gets its sensation from the pulp tissue that's present in the deeper layers of the tooth. Inflammation or outright infection of this pulp tissue can be very painful and usually results from decay, cracks or large fillings in the tooth. A root canal procedure  attempts to remove all the complex neural and vascular tissue from the tooth both from the visible portion of the tooth in the mouth as well as the root portion that anchors  the tooth in the jaw bone. 

If you need a root canal, you will frequently experience pain, swelling, and trouble chewing on that tooth. You may have pus coming from your gums around the affected tooth. The pain could be enough to keep you from relaxing.

Sometimes, teeth that need root canals show no outward symptoms, and your dentist will tell you that you need one based on X-rays.

A root canal can save your natural tooth from extraction. Getting a root canal is less expensive and complex than having an extraction and an implant placed.

Root Canal Procedures

The endodontist injects local anesthetic near the affected tooth. They then open the tooth's crown with a small drill to access the pulp. The endodontist removes the pulp with specialized files, going down into the roots to remove more material.

The endodontist shapes the interior of the canals inside the root to help prevent further infection. After the tooth is clean inside, the dentist fills it with a permanent material. The patient can then receive a crown from their general dentist.

Consequences of Root Canal Errors

Have you experienced a situation where a root canal procedure was performed on a back molar tooth and the tooth continues to have problems such as pain upon chewing and dull aches that would come and go? 

This is quite common when the procedures are performed without the use of Dental Operating Microscopes or CBCT scans that allow the operator to visualize the tooth in detail from the inside out. Usually the reason for such symptoms is untreated small branches of diseased pulp tissue that was never removed when the original root canal was performed or a crack that was not visualized during the root canal procedure. 

The infection could recur months or years later when a dentist misses infected material inside the tooth. Repeat root canal surgery is possible but more expensive than the first procedure. Apical surgery (apicoectomy) may also be necessary if the infection progresses into the root's tip.

Advantages of an Endodontist's Root Canal

Endodontists use more advanced equipment than general dentists, meaning they are more likely to catch minor errors and fix them before permanently sealing the tooth. Dental microscopes make the procedure much more accurate. Endodontists also have access to precise scans from CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanners to target the infection.

Call Rhode Island Endodontics

If you need a root canal, turn to an expert. Dr. Usman Fazli is Board Certified and has performed thousands of successful root canals throughout his practice. Call our office at 401-337-9150 for further information or to make an appointment at our convenient Warwick location.

Endodontists routinely perform root canals, but that is not their only focus area. They serve a range of complex procedures that can relieve pain and restore oral health.

Endodontists treat problems inside the tooth, such as when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed. Treating these issues requires particular skills. If you choose between an endodontist and a general dentist to perform your procedure, it is wise to choose a specialist.

Root Canals

Root canals are endodontists' most frequently performed procedures. They become necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed due to decay or dental trauma. A tooth needing a root canal is often painful and can prevent the patient from chewing on that side or relaxing.

The endodontist administers local anesthesia, which makes the procedure painless. They open the tooth's crown and remove the pulp. They reach the canals with special tools and remove traces of pulp. A CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanner helps the endodontist see into these tight spaces.

The endodontist smooths the root canals to make repeat infections less likely. Any remaining infection may need treatment with antibiotics.

When the tooth is clear of infection, the endodontist refills it with gutta-percha. The patient then returns to their general dentist for a permanent crown.

Root canals have many significant benefits, such as relieving pain and saving natural teeth from extraction. If a tooth can receive a root canal and crown instead of an extraction, it can save the patient time and money and protect their oral health.

Endodontic Retreatment

Sometimes root canals fail, and the tooth again becomes painful. This situation happens more often when a general dentist performs the initial root canal. To complete endodontic retreatment, the endodontist needs to reopen the tooth, clean the canals again, and eliminate the infection before closing the tooth.

Apical Surgery

The patient may need apical surgery when the infection progresses into the root tip. This procedure is also known as endodontic surgery or an apicoectomy.

During an apicoectomy, the endodontist opens a small flap in the gum tissue and removes the tip of the root as well as a small amount of bone. The endodontist clears the infection and places a filling in the root tip. They suture the area to protect it while it heals.

Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is sometimes called a "baby root canal" because endodontists often perform it on primary teeth. The endodontist removes the infected pulp from the tooth's crown during a pulpotomy.

Call Rhode Island Endodontics

Dr. Usman Fazli has performed thousands of root canals and other endodontic procedures. Rely on his expertise to relieve your pain and solve your problem. If you have a toothache or have experienced dental trauma, call our office at 401-337-9150 for information or to make an appointment.

Dr. Usman Fazli, DMD, has created a unique endodontic practice in Warwick, RI. Dr. Fazli and the skilled staff at Rhode Island Endodontics treat patients using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.

Whether patients need a root canal or advanced surgery, they can feel confident that Rhode Island Endodontics will accurately perform the procedure.

Recognition and Experience

Patients can feel confident that they receive optimal endodontic care from Board Certified practitioners like Dr. Fazli. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, Dr. Fazli holds one of the field's highest honors. With many years of experience, Dr. Fazli is well-equipped to diagnose and treat endodontic problems of all kinds.

Dr. Fazli was proud to serve as a United States Army Reserve Dentist for 12 years. His military experience contributed to his discipline and leadership skills.

A Modern Practice

Rhode Island Endodontics is a modern practice incorporating innovative equipment and techniques. Many practices need to gain the technical knowledge to use these tools.

New endodontic techniques increase the quality and accuracy of dental work. Sometimes root canals fail due to inaccurate treatment. Follow-up procedures like endodontic retreatment and apical surgery are much less likely when practitioners use a combination of state-of-the-art technology and techniques.

In addition to new techniques, modern endodontic practices use advanced technology. Examples of these innovations include the Cone Beam 3-D Scanner (CBCT).

The Cone Beam scanner provides an affordable alternative to traditional CT scanning machines that endodontists can use in an outpatient setting.

The CBCT scanner uses X-rays to produce a complete image of the patient's craniofacial region. It provides advanced images in fine detail and can help to diagnose hidden problems. The CBCT scanner is invaluable for spotting emergent dental issues and treating them before they cause major problems.

Dental microscopes, electronic apex detection, and digital X-rays are other technical advances that promote excellent results. Dr. Fazli routinely uses all of these to provide care.

A Cooperative Spirit

Rhode Island Endodontics has a team spirit when working with other area dental practices. Referring dentists trust Rhode Island Endodontics to perform procedures accurately and work together to save a patient's natural teeth whenever possible.

Rhode Island Endodontics can also provide follow-up care for patients whose root canals and endodontic surgery did not have the desired results from other practices. Dr. Fazli can resolve patients' outstanding issues and ensure their continuing good oral health.

Choosing an Endodontic Practice

Please consult with your general dentist and find out which practices they trust. Choose a highly-regarded practice that handles routine and complex procedures with skill.

If you need endodontic care, choose a practice based on its track record of success. Ensure that you select a practice with experienced doctors who can take advantage of new medical advances.

Call Rhode Island Endodontics

Rhode Island Endodontics is conveniently located in the Warwick Medical Building in Warwick, RI. Call our office at 401-337-9150 for more information on our services or schedule an appointment.