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Endodontics

Sink your teeth into endodontics (root canal therapy) and preserve your smile

“Endodontics” is a fancy term for treatments that involve the inside of the tooth. In fact, “endo” and “odont” are the Greek terms for “inside” and “tooth.” The most popular type of endodontic treatment is root canal therapy. 

At the Asuncion Dental Group in Frederick, Maryland, we are well-equipped to offer almost every dental procedure on-site, including root canal treatment. Dr. Frederick Asuncion has more than 20 years of experience resolving deep oral infections and damage with root canal therapy and other means. A root canal may be the only way to preserve a badly damaged tooth. And Dr. Asuncion has had the privilege of “saving” single-rooted and the anterior teeth at the front of the upper and lower jaws with this standard, brief therapy. 

If, however, you have complex anatomical characteristics or a complicated case involving the back teeth, we have forged and maintained strong relationships with some of the region’s top endodontic specialists. For these specialists, root canal and associated surgical therapies are all that they do. While other dentists may perform a few root canal treatments each week, endodontists may perform dozens of these procedures every week. They also have specialized equipment to precisely treat even the most complicated cases and offer alternative surgical options should nonsurgical techniques not be appropriate.

Getting to the heart of inner tooth treatment

At its heart, root canal treatment is like a “deep clean” for your tooth. It involves accessing the innermost pulp tissue. And is done to numbed teeth. So, you won’t feel anything! We can also discuss sedative options to make you feel as relaxed as possible in the treatment chair. Once the pulp has been accessed, the damaged tissue is removed. The root canals containing this nervy tissue that help support the tooth are also sterilized and shaped. The treatment site is then filled with a gutta-percha material to “seal off” the area and prevent reinfection. Typically, a temporary restoration is worn as the tooth heals while the permanent crown is being made. That being said, we offer “same-day” crowns, thanks to on-site CEREC technology. We can make permanent crowns and other restorations in a single visit while our patients wait. 

The power of prevention

As a general dentist, Dr. Asuncion takes great pride in his wide-ranging training and expertise. He works closely with patients to resolve, halt, and reverse progressive decay, disease, and other oral conditions that can threaten a tooth’s integrity and that ultimately lead to the need for root canal treatment. We are big supporters of conservative dentistry, knowing that teeth function best and look their best when maximum (healthy) natural tooth structure is preserved. Root canal treatment is also a conservative alternative to extraction and tooth loss, a “last resort” procedure.

We encourage you to speak to us if you experience symptoms, such as new sensitivity or bleeding, when you brush your teeth. However, if you are bothered by changes right now, do not delay scheduling an appointment with our team in Frederick, MD, led by Dr. Frederick Asuncion. (301) 690-8482