Endodontic Surgery in Buffalo, NY

Are you experiencing dental pain? Whether you need a standard root canal, or more aggressive treatment like endodontic surgery, you can count on our Buffalo root canal dentist. Dr. Aaron McCann is an experienced endodontist and founder of Precision Endodontics, P.C. with over 10 years experience. Contact us today.

Buffalo Root Canal Dentist Performing Exceptional Endodontic Surgery

How to Save Your Teeth

In nearly all cases, minimally-invasive root canals are more than sufficient to repair even severely damaged teeth. In most cases, these repairs last a lifetime. That being said, sometimes the damage is too severe to address with these traditional techniques or, for various reasons, subsequent issues arise. Dental implants were really the only option in these situations. However, recent advances in endodontic microsurgery offers similar success rates to dental implants and a way to retain your natural dentition. In most cases, a new crown is not necessary following endodontic surgery offering a less expensive way to save your tooth than a dental implant.

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Endodontic surgery can be utilized to identify slight fractures, or hidden canals that were not found on x-rays, or during prior treatment. Surgery could also be required to eliminate calcium deposits in the root canals, or repair the surfaces of damaged roots, and the encompassing bone of the tooth. Dedicated Buffalo Endodontist, Dr. Aaron McCann, has extensive experience performing endodontic surgery.  Our dental office has invested in the latest advanced digital technology such as digital imaging, and surgical microscopes to ensure exceptional, expedient, and effective treatment.

There are a variety of different procedures that can be utilized to salvage a tooth. The procedure most frequently used is called an Apicoectomy, which is sometimes used when there is a lingering infection or inflammation following a root canal treatment. During this procedure, we use the surgical microscope to access the gum tissue around the tooth to identify the foundational bone and eliminate any inflamed or infected tissue. We also extract the tip of the root. A tiny filling may be inserted to secure the end of the root canal, and a small number of stitches are put in place to aid in the healing of the tissue. Given time, the bone around the end of the root will heal itself. Local anesthetics are utilized to ensure the comfort of the patient, and often patients resume their regular activities the very next day. Discomfort after this treatment is typically minimal.

Trust Our Buffalo Dental Professionals

Whether you need a standard root canal or a more aggressive treatment, you can count on Buffalo Endodontist Dr. Aaron McCann, to perform the work you need so you can quickly get back to living your life.

Contact our Buffalo dental office today to schedule an appointment.

Root Canal/ Endodontic Surgery FAQs

How can I choose the best endodontist?

The first thing we suggest is a recommendation from your general dentist. If you have confidence in your dentist, you can have confidence in the specialist to whom they refer you. Speak with friends and family who can share their personal opinions. Do some research on the specific doctor, such as where they did their training and how much training they’ve had, what types of technology they’re using, and to ensure that they offer state-of-the-art treatment that follows the standard of care in every aspect.

Are endodontic treatments covered by insurance?

When patients ask about dental insurance coverage, we tell them that most dental insurances will cover at least part of their procedure – and some even cover 100%.

The extent of coverage is based on your employer and your specific plan, but our office staff will work with you and help submit your paperwork.

We can also provide a pre-estimate to give you a clearer picture of your potential out-of-pocket cost.

What is an apicoectomy?

A patient may be having difficulty with a previously performed root canal that might become re-infected. Maybe there’s infection in a tooth on which you’ve had extensive restorative work. We can use a local surgery called an apicoectomy to help take care of that infection. We numb the area just as if you were having a regular root canal and, while looking through a microscope, work down from the top of the tooth, removing the source of infection and performing a reverse root canal.

What is a dental dam?

The purpose of a dental dam is to keep an area clean to prevent bacteria – even your own oral bacteria and saliva – from getting back inside your tooth. The intent is to disinfect the inside of your tooth by using the dam to isolate the tooth. It’s also beneficial if you are a gagger because nothing enters your mouth except your own saliva.

What are the success rates of root canals and crowns?

The success rate for root canal treatment is very high. When we complete treatment on a tooth that had no prior infection and was just beginning to show symptoms, a crown installed by your dentist will give you years – or even decades – of success with your tooth.

How can a dentist help with oral pain?

Teeth may hurt because of cavities that make them susceptible to cold, heat, or sweets. We can help determine why it hurts and find a way to relieve the pain. If there’s swelling, you might have an abscess, and we can eliminate the infection, returning you to your pain-free life.

How does oral health relate to my general health?

Physicians and researchers have conducted studies that reveal direct relationships between periodontal gum disease, heart disease and diabetes. Our bodies work interdependently. So if you’re unable to keep your mouth in its healthiest possible condition, it can actually affect other issues such as diabetes. It’s essential to see your dentist regularly and keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

Will antibiotics take care of a tooth infection?

The dental infection itself is really inside the tooth so, in order to solve the problem, we have to actually go inside that tooth and fix it. Antibiotics simply mask the symptoms and, if the problem isn’t fixed, it usually comes back worse than the first time.

Can a tooth infection cause an infection in my body?

The focal infection theory, which contemplates the possibility that a tooth infection can cause infection in the whole body, is a question that frequently appears online and in discourse at holistic centers.

Systems throughout our bodies are connected, and dental, oral, and periodontal infections can affect other aspects of the body – including heart conditions and diabetes.

Normally, however, a dental infection coming from a tooth is a localized infection. If left untreated, such infection can spread and become more generalized.

How did my tooth get infected in the first place?

One way or another, bacteria found its way inside your tooth and caused infection. There may be a crack in your tooth or you may have had trauma to your tooth. Cavities are caused by bacteria slowly working their way inside the tooth and causing problems. The tooth will become inflamed, and you might have a toothache or sensitivity when you drink ice cold water or eat ice cream or other sweets.

What are the main causes of tooth decay?

Diet and/or hygiene-related habits are the main causes of tooth decay. The best way to prevent tooth decay is to brush your teeth several times a day (with a toothpaste containing fluoride) and to floss one time every day. As much as possible, avoid items such as acidic foods, soft drinks and candy. Foods containing sugar feed bacteria and cause cavities.

Why should I see a dentist after losing a tooth?

If you dislodge a tooth and a dentist or an emergency room staff member replaces it, contact an endodontist within two weeks. The timing is very important because root canal therapy can both save the life of and ensure the health of that tooth.

Why would I need a root canal?

A lot of people ask, “Why can’t I just take an antibiotic and make the infection go away?” If you take an antibiotic, it will help your symptoms go away, but the problem is inside the tooth. The only way to fix the problem is to go inside the tooth with a root canal procedure. We can actually go in and take care of the problem once and for all.

How do I know I have a root canal problem?

The pressure of chewing your food may start to bother you more. Cold temperatures may cause pain, or the heat of your coffee may bother your teeth. Those issues may indicate a root canal problem and, if you notice lumps, or swelling, you should be examined.

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