Endodontics-
The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth root, dental pulp, and surrounding tissue. Specialization in area of soft tissue inside the tooth. SDG is the only Practice in WNY to have a Endodontist (RCT Specialist) Dr. Gina Siegel, a classically trained endodontist , is proficient in Root canals, Apicoectomy, and Re-treatments.

 

Root canal
a root canal is a procedure that extracts decay pulp from the central part of the tooth, reshapes the canal, and replaces it with strengthening filler.

A Cavity is the result of superficial decay of the enamel of the tooth. Left long enough, this decay can burrow into the deeper reaches of the tooth, causing extensive damage to tooth structure. When the damage goes beyond what can be treated with a filling, dentists can perform a root canal ( or endodontics ), preserving the tooth and retaining its original integrity; thereby, saving a tooth that in the past would have to have been pulled.

 

Apicoectomy
Also known as a root-end resection, an apicoectomy literally means the removal of the apex of the root of the tooth. This procedure, done following a root canal, treats the bony area surrounding the end of your tooth, which has become inflamed or infected. By folding back the gum near the tooth, the doctor can access the underlying bone and extract the inflamed tissue. At the same time, the very tip of the root is removed and usually replaced with small plug or filling. At this time, the doctor may treat the area with antibiotics and will then close the area with a small suture. Eventually, the jaw surrounding the tooth will fill in with bone, supporting the tooth as before. This procedure helps ensure the lasting result of your endodontic treatment. An apicoectomy is only done in rare cases when a root canal requires additional treatment.

 

Re-treatment
When treatment was not successful the first time, re-treatment is an option, months or even years later. If a root canal was not cleaned properly the first time, pulp material can remain behind and cause infection. If this infected tissue leas beyond the root tip, it can cause bone loss and tissue destruction. Either of these can cause pain when biting.