Meridian Endodontics is a specialized dental practice that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the dental pulp and root of the tooth. The practice offers advanced root canal therapy, which is a common treatment option for saving a damaged or infected tooth.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth's root canal, cleaning and disinfecting the canal, and filling it with a biocompatible material. The procedure is designed to save the natural tooth and prevent the need for tooth extraction.

When is Root Canal Therapy Needed?

Root canal therapy is typically needed when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This can occur due to several factors, including deep cavities, cracked or fractured teeth, trauma to the tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to severe pain, abscesses, and potentially life-threatening infections.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

The root canal procedure typically involves the following steps:

  1. Anesthesia: The dentist will first administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area.

  2. Accessing the Pulp: The dentist will then create an access point through the tooth's crown to reach the pulp chamber.

  3. Removing the Pulp: Using specialized instruments, the dentist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the root canal.

  4. Cleaning and Disinfecting the Canal: The dentist will then clean and disinfect the root canal using special tools and antimicrobial solutions.

  5. Filling the Canal: After the canal is cleaned and disinfected, the dentist will fill it with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha.

  6. Restoring the Tooth: Once the canal is filled, the dentist will restore the tooth with a dental filling or crown to protect it and restore its function.

Advanced Root Canal Therapy at Meridian Endodontics

Meridian Endodontics offers advanced root canal therapy using the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcome for their patients. The practice uses a dental operating microscope to provide a detailed view of the inside of the tooth, enabling the dentist to perform the procedure with greater precision and accuracy.

In addition to traditional root canal therapy, Meridian Endodontics also offers the following specialized services:

  1. Retreatment: If a previous root canal procedure was unsuccessful, Meridian Endodontics offers retreatment to remove any remaining infected or damaged tissue.

  2. Apicoectomy: In some cases, a root canal procedure may not fully resolve the infection, and an apicoectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the tip of the tooth's root and sealing the canal.

  3. Regenerative Endodontics: For younger patients with undeveloped tooth roots, Meridian Endodontics offers regenerative endodontics. This procedure involves using biocompatible materials and growth factors to help regenerate damaged dental pulp and root tissue.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

  1. Saves Natural Teeth: Root canal therapy is designed to save the natural tooth and prevent the need for extraction, which can have long-term consequences for oral health and function.

  2. Relieves Pain: Root canal therapy can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with an infected tooth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and function normally.

  3. Prevents Infection: By removing the infected or damaged tissue from the tooth's root canal, root canal therapy can prevent the spread of infection to other teeth and parts of the body.

  4. Restores Function: After root canal therapy, the tooth is restored to its normal function, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.