4365 Kukui Professional Center
Kukui Grove St. Suite 105
Lihue, Hawaii 96766
Tel: (808) 482-3060
Our Dental Services
Aloha from Kauai Endodontics! Ever since we opened our office in 2010, our mission has been to spread the spirit of "Aloha" through exceptional quality care and treatment. We strive to bring compassion and excellence to your experience. From our sunny smiles to our gentle touch, we're here to ensure your journey with us is filled with the warmth of Kauai. Mahalo for choosing Kauai Endodontics, where we aim to inspire excellence.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal therapy is a commonly performed dental procedure aimed at saving your natural teeth and avoiding the need for dental implants or bridges. At the core of your tooth lies the pulp, a vital collection of blood vessels that contributes to the tooth's structure. Infections in the pulp can result from tooth trauma, deep decay, cracks, chips, or repeated dental treatments. Indications of an infected pulp may include visible tooth injury or swelling, sensitivity to temperature, or tooth and gum pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will likely recommend root canal treatment to remove the diseased pulp.
During the procedure, the damaged pulp is carefully eliminated, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy generally involves local anesthesia and may require one or multiple visits depending on the extent of treatment required. Successful outcomes are achieved in approximately 90% of cases. What happens after the treatment? Once your root canal therapy is completed, a detailed record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. It is important for you to reach out to their office to schedule a follow-up restoration within one month of completing your treatment at our office.
Endodontic Retreament
With proper care, endodontically treated teeth can last as long as natural teeth. However, there are cases where treatment may not heal properly or pain persists, necessitating Endodontic Retreatment. Possible causes for improper healing include:
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Untreated curved or narrow canals during initial treatment.
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Undetected complications in the canals during initial treatment.
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Delayed placement of crown or restoration following the procedure, allowing saliva contamination.
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New issues that can affect a previously successful treatment, such as decay or a cracked/loose filling.
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To address these problems, retreatment involves reopening the tooth to remove the existing root canal filling material and ensure the canals are thoroughly cleaned and examined. After filling and sealing the canals, a temporary filling is placed. You should promptly visit your dentist for the placement of a new crown or restoration to restore full functionality.
Endodontic Surgery
A root canal is a common procedure performed to save a tooth with an injured pulp from being extracted. In most cases, this non-surgical treatment is sufficient to heal the tooth. However, there are instances where additional measures are necessary, and your endodontist may recommend endodontic surgery.
Endodontic surgery is employed when a root canal alone cannot effectively heal the tooth. This surgical procedure aims to identify fractures or hidden canals that are not visible on x-rays but still cause tooth pain. It can also address damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone. One of the most commonly performed surgeries to save damaged teeth is called an apicoectomy or root-end resection.
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During an apicoectomy, an incision is made in the gum tissue, exposing the bone and inflamed tissue surrounding the tooth. The damaged tissue is carefully removed, along with the tip of the root. A filling material is then placed at the root end to prevent reinfection, and the gum is stitched back together. Over the course of several months, the bone naturally heals around the root, restoring full function.
Following the apicoectomy procedure, some discomfort or slight swelling may be experienced while the incision site heals. This is a normal response to any surgical procedure. Your endodontist will recommend an appropriate pain medication to alleviate any discomfort you may have.