Endodontic dentistry primarily deals with treating the roots of the teeth. While most endodontic procedures are initially either for the removal of an abscess or a root canal, Dr. Hooie will examine your condition to determine if root end surgery (apicoectomy), internal bleaching, or treatment for root fractures are required. Since these can be used either alone or in combination with other procedures, Dr. Hooie will be sure to find the correct endodontic treatment to fit your individual dental requirements. He is highly experienced in this field and is the best choice for your dental needs in Crossville, TN.
Root Canals
Root canal procedures have been a staple of restorative dentistry for generations and have garnered a negative reputation among patients. Dr. Hooie is very gentle and considerate of his patients’ comfort while performing this procedure, and his patients often comment on his calm and soothing demeanor and the lack of any pain during or after the procedure. Root canals are used when the root of a tooth dies from untreated infection or trauma. Dead material is trapped inside the tooth and, if not treated, begins to damage the surrounding tooth structure and abscess in the bone supporting the tooth. This necessitates a root canal procedure.
To remove the infected material Dr. Hooie drills through the top of the tooth to expose the pulp chamber. He then extracts the infected tissue, fills the vacant canal. It is best at this time to place a “post” in the tooth to help strengthen the tooth. After root canal therapy a crown is necessary to protect the injured tooth from breaking. All these procedures can usually be completed in one appointment. While the crown is being fabricated at a dental laboratory, Dr. Hooie will cover the tooth temporarily. At your follow up appointment to Donald G. Hooie, DDS the crown will be fitted and bonded into place. For pain-free root canals in Crossville, TN, contact Dr. Hooie’s office to schedule an appointment.
Abscess Removal
One endodontic procedure performed at Donald G. Hooie, DDS is the removal of abscesses. An abscess is an area of infection that forms around the root of your tooth. Your body, in an effort to isolate the infection, naturally creates a wall around it. While at first there may be no visible symptoms, redness and painful swelling of the gums usually follows. Unless removed, the abscess will continue to grow and eventually decay anything that it contacts including teeth, jawbone, gums, and connective tissues.
To remove the abscess Dr. Hooie will first perform a root canal procedure if a complete treatment has not already been accomplished successfully. Then he will drain the infection, relieving the swelling and reducing pain. Dr. Hooie may also prescribe an adjunctive antibiotic therapy to help fight and prevent infection. Should you experience any of the symptoms described above, please contact us immediately for an abscess removal in Crossville. Dr. Hooie has the required expertise to treat abscesses successfully.
Root End Surgery
At Donald G. Hooie, DDS in Crossville, TN (and all dental practices) root end surgery is performed as a follow up to a root canal if infection or decay continues to be a problem. Also called an apicoectomy, the procedure is often required because of the complexity of the canals themselves. Rather than a single uniform chamber, the root canal has many tiny branches that can harbor infected material. The root end surgery removes just the very tip (apex) of the root, where many infections originate. Today the technology and techniques to detect these hidden infections is much better, so a follow up root canal can often solve the problem, but sometimes root end surgery it is still necessary.
Dr. Hooie is very skilled at performing the procedure, and he will begin by exposing the root. Then the very tips of the root, only a few millimeters, are removed and the canals are cleaned and sealed. The gums are sutured back into place and the procedure is complete. This is usually very effective for preventing future infection. If you have had a root canal and are experiencing pain, swelling, or have developed a fistula (small pimple-like bump on the gums) then you should call Dr. Hooie to see if you may need root end surgery in Crossville.
