Endodontics, also called root canal therapy, is the area of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the diseased dental pulp. The pulp is the small amount of soft tissue containing minute nerves and blood vessels within the tooth. During initial tooth development the pulp is responsible for the formation and growth of the hard part of the tooth. After the crown and root(s) of the tooth have matured, the pulp tissue remains locked inside the tooth in a small root canal space. During a lifetime, the pulp may become diseased due to a variety of reasons (decay, trauma, deep fillings, cracks). The inflamed pulp can quickly cause pain and even infection of the surrounding bone and soft tissue. Elimination of the diseased pulp can be accomplished in two ways: saving the tooth by performing endodontic therapy, or extracting the tooth.

Endodontics, also called root canal therapy, is the area of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the diseased dental pulp. The pulp is the small amount of soft tissue containing minute nerves and blood vessels within the tooth. During initial tooth development the pulp is responsible for the formation and growth of the hard part of the tooth. After the crown and root(s) of the tooth have matured, the pulp tissue remains locked inside the tooth in a small root canal space. During a lifetime, the pulp may become diseased due to a variety of reasons (decay, trauma, deep fillings, cracks). The inflamed pulp can quickly cause pain and even infection of the surrounding bone and soft tissue. Elimination of the diseased pulp can be accomplished in two ways: saving the tooth by performing endodontic therapy, or extracting the tooth. Specialists In Saving Teeth Retaining the tooth prevents the loss of function (chewing ability), movement of adjacent teeth and unwanted cosmetic changes. Root canal treatment can be very predictable and enjoys over a 97% success rate. Smithtown Endodontics specializes in this area of dentistry exclusively and our practice is designed to optimize the likelihood of success. If you choose endodontic treatment, our office will provide you with outstanding care and support. Prior to treatment, we routinely administer local anesthetics which will insure your comfort while the diseased pulp tissue is being removed. We will then thoroughly clean and shape the root canal space and seal this space with a root canal filling. We can usually accomplish this procedure in one or two visits. After we have completed your treatment, we will send a report to your dentist and you will be advised to return to see him/her promptly to have a permanent filling or crown placed on your tooth. For over 40 years, dentists have referred patients to our practice with confidence that is based on our reputation for clinical skill and professionalism.

 No. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontic treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low dose conventional dental x-ray machinery. These digital images can be optimized, archived, printed and sent to cotherapists via e-mail or diskette. For more information contact Schick Technologies, Inc here.

Again, there's no need for concern. We adhere to the most rigorous standards of infection control advocated by OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association. We utilize autoclave sterilization and barrier techniques to eliminate any risk of infection.

When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact his office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond

Operating Microscopes: In addition to digital radiography, we utilize special operating microscopes. Magnification and fiber optic illumination are helpful in aiding the doctor to see tiny details inside your tooth. Also, a tiny video camera on the operating microscope can record images of your tooth to further document the doctor's findings.

Apex Locators: To minimize discomfort during and after root canal procedures we use an electronic device to measure the exact length of the tooth to within 97% accuracy. We always confirm the accuracy of our measurements to ensure the highest level of treatment.

Ultrasonics: Tiny handheld instruments that allow us to explore the vast intricacies of each tooth under the Operating Microscope. Ultrasonics allow for unparalleled cleaning and shaping of the root canal system in ways which were not possible before their introduction. Ultrasonics not only allow us to cleanse the tooth, they allow us to remove obstructions from within the root.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography  (CBCT)-  Cone beam studies are a new advanced method of 3 dimensional imaging of the tooth.  If indicated a cone beam image can be taken of the tooth so the doctor can gain valuable insight into the nature of the disease and correct treatment needed.