Endodontics represents a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of issues affecting the pulp and root structures inside your teeth, offering advanced solutions to save severely damaged or infected teeth that might otherwise require extraction. When the soft tissue inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma, endodontic treatment can eliminate the infection while preserving your natural tooth structure and function.
At SmilePro Dental, Dr. Salam Awad provides comprehensive family care services including advanced endodontic treatments designed to save your natural teeth and restore optimal oral health. Our gentle approach and modern techniques ensure comfortable treatment while delivering the exceptional results you need to maintain your natural smile for years to come.
Endodontics involves treating the inside of your tooth when the pulp tissue becomes infected, inflamed, or damaged beyond the tooth’s ability to heal naturally. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that were essential during tooth development but are no longer vital once your tooth fully matures. If you have a severely damaged, decaying tooth or a serious tooth infection (abscess), Dr. Awad may recommend endodontic treatment to repair and save your tooth instead of removing it.
Modern endodontic procedures are far more comfortable than many patients expect, with most treatments completed using local anesthesia and advanced techniques that minimize discomfort. The goal of endodontic treatment is always to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible, as natural teeth provide superior chewing efficiency and maintain proper bite alignment compared to tooth replacement options. Successful endodontic treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth for many years, often for your entire lifetime.
Root canal therapy represents the most common type of endodontic treatment, involving the careful removal of infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside your tooth’s root canals. Dr. Awad begins by creating a small access opening in the affected tooth, then uses specialized instruments to clean and shape the root canals while removing all diseased tissue. This meticulous process eliminates the source of infection and pain while preparing the canals for filling.
After thorough cleaning and disinfection, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and the access opening is sealed to prevent future contamination. Most teeth requiring root canal therapy also need a crown to protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure, as endodontically treated teeth can become more brittle over time. This combination approach ensures optimal long-term success and function for your restored tooth.
Root canal therapy represents the most common type of endodontic treatment, involving the careful removal of infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside your tooth’s root canals. Dr. Awad begins by creating a small access opening in the affected tooth, then uses specialized instruments to clean and shape the root canals while removing all diseased tissue. This meticulous process eliminates the source of infection and pain while preparing the canals for filling.
After thorough cleaning and disinfection, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and the access opening is sealed to prevent future contamination. Most teeth requiring root canal therapy also need a crown to protect and strengthen the remaining tooth structure, as endodontically treated teeth can become more brittle over time. This combination approach ensures optimal long-term success and function for your restored tooth.
Saving your natural teeth through endodontic treatment offers numerous advantages over extraction and replacement options, including maintaining proper chewing function, preserving normal bite forces, and avoiding the need for more complex procedures. Natural teeth provide optimal chewing efficiency and tactile sensation that artificial replacements cannot fully replicate, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite foods without restriction.
Preserving natural teeth also maintains proper spacing and alignment, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting into empty spaces that occur after extractions. This stability helps preserve your overall bite relationship and reduces the risk of developing jaw joint problems or additional dental issues. From a financial perspective, successful endodontic treatment often costs less than extraction followed by tooth replacement with dental implants or bridges.
Following endodontic treatment, your tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time as the surrounding tissues heal and adjust to the absence of pulp tissue. This adjustment period is normal and typically resolves within a few days to weeks. Dr. Awad provides specific post-treatment instructions to ensure optimal healing and minimize any discomfort during the recovery process.
Most endodontically treated teeth require crown placement to provide long-term protection against fracture and to restore full function. The combination of successful root canal therapy and appropriate crown restoration results in excellent long-term success rates, with most treated teeth lasting many years or even decades. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular preventive care appointments helps ensure the longevity of your endodontic treatment.
Dr. Awad utilizes modern endodontic techniques and materials to improve treatment outcomes and patient comfort during root canal procedures. Digital radiography provides detailed images for accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring, while rotary instrumentation allows for more efficient and thorough cleaning of complex canal systems. These advanced techniques often reduce treatment time while improving the predictability of successful outcomes.
Contemporary filling materials and sealing techniques provide superior long-term results compared to older methods, with improved resistance to bacterial penetration and enhanced biocompatibility. Dr. Awad’s commitment to continuing education through organizations like the Spear Study Club ensures she remains current with the latest advances in endodontic treatment, translating into better outcomes and more comfortable experiences for patients.
While Dr. Awad provides comprehensive endodontic care for most cases, certain complex situations may benefit from referral to an endodontic specialist who has completed an additional two years of advanced training after dental school. These situations might include teeth with unusually complex root canal anatomy, retreatment of previous endodontic therapy, or cases involving significant complications that require specialized techniques or equipment.
The decision to refer for specialist care always prioritizes achieving the best possible outcome for your specific situation. Dr. Awad evaluates each case individually and discusses all treatment options, ensuring you receive honest recommendations about whether general practice endodontics or specialist referral provides the optimal approach for your particular needs.
We commonly collaborate with other healthcare professionals to offer specialized care for complex dental cases and are committed to providing the best for your patients.
Dr. Awad’s extensive training from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and commitment to continuing education through the Spear Study Club ensures you receive the most current and effective endodontic treatments available. Her gentle approach and dedication to patient comfort reflect her practice philosophy of treating patients with respect, kindness, and a gentle touch throughout their endodontic care. We accept all insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make necessary endodontic treatment accessible.
Don’t let tooth pain or infection compromise your oral health and quality of life when effective endodontic treatment can save your natural tooth and restore your comfort. Contact our office at 313-277-3000 or use our convenient contact form to schedule your endodontic consultation and discover how modern root canal therapy can preserve your natural smile while eliminating pain and infection.
25147 W Warren Ave, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
(313) 277-3000
We build long lasting relationships with our patients, using leading edge technology to deliver a high quality and a unique dental experience.
