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endodontics
Patient Testimonials

"I have never been to a doctor or dentist where I have received better care. You were all A+...the absolute best!"

Judith V. Commerce Twp, MI

"Couldn't have been a better experience - Thanks"

Derek D. Brighton, MI

"If you have to have a root canal this is the only place to be.  Dr. Johnson & her staff are amazing."

Marylyn M. Howell, MI

"The only office/doctor I would go to for a root canal"

Cathy B. Howell, MI

"At all times I was well informed of what the plan and procedures were...very good communications!"

Anthony M. Fenton, MI

Dr. Johnson was wonderful and the staff was also.  They were very caring, very competent, and great to talk to.  Thank you all.  I had a great experience!

Darlene L. Brighton, MI

"I cannot thank you all enough for the outstanding dental treatment and personal concern given me during this time.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Mary B. Holly, MI

"Dr. Erika & staff definitely have customer service perfected!  Comfort and pain level always a priority.  Very professional staff.  The fact that Dr. Johnson calls to check on you after your procedure shows how caring she is.  She's truly THE BEST!"

Michelle H. Highland, MI

"Dr. Johnson & her staff were extremely kind, professional & attentive.  They thoroughly explained what was taking place and guided me through the entire procedure.  I wish more facilities were as caring and compassionate as Dr. Johnson's."

Holly D. Highland, MI

"Awesome experience!  Tough to say - but I LOVE getting root canals at Dr. Johnson's!!  The experience is always great.  Friendly staff and excellent care!!  Thank you!"

Kim H. Linden, MI

 
What is an Endodontist and what do they do?

Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy -- procedures, involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, called the pulp.  The word "endodontic" comes from "endo" meaning inside and "odont" meaning tooth.  Like many medical terms, it's Greek.  All dentists are trained in diagnosis and endodontic therapy, however, some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat.  That’s why you may have been referred to an endodontic specialist.

In addition to dental school, endodontists receive two or more years of advanced education in this kind of treatment. They study root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth, for diagnosis and treatment of more difficult cases. For this reason, many dentists choose to refer their patients to endodontists.

What Happens During Endodontic Treatment? or What is a Root Canal?

A local anesthetic will be given.  A sheet of latex called the "rubber dam" (we've got nonlatex ones too) will be placed around the tooth to isolate it, hence keeping it clean and dry during treatment.  The treatment consists of three or four basic steps, but the number of visits will depend on your particular case.  Some treatments take 2 visits but many are just a single visit.  Occasionally 3 appointments are needed.

In any case, it depends on the degree of infection/inflammation and degree of treatment difficulty.  To me, it's more important to do it the very best we can then to meet a specific time criteria.  Let's look at the basic steps for nonsurgical endodontic therapy.

There are, of course, no guarantees.  Root canal or endodontic therapy has a very high degree of success, up to 90%.  Teeth which can be treated near ideal have a success rate up to ninety percent!  We will discuss with you the chances of success before any endodontic procedure to help you make an informed decision.  If a root canal or endodontic therapy is unsuccessful or fails you still have options.

Diagnoses and Treats Pain

Oral pain such as toothaches or cracked / fractured teeth can often be difficult to pinpoint.  Because of the vast network of nerves in the mouth, the pain of a damaged or diseased tooth often is felt in another tooth and/or in the head, neck, or ear. An endodontist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating this type of pain.

Treats Traumatic Injuries

Pulp damage is sometimes caused by a blow to the mouth, and the endodontist specializes in treating these traumatic injuries. For example, a blow to a child's permanent tooth that is not fully developed can cause the root to stop growing. A procedure called apexification stimulates bone to be deposited at the end of the root which makes it possible to then save the tooth through a root canal procedure. An endodontist is specially trained in procedures for replanting teeth that have been knocked out of their sockets.

Will I need to return to your office for Additional Visits?

Once endodontic therapy is completed your tooth should be examined periodically, usually every 6 - 12 months.  This allows us to make sure the tooth has healed or is healing properly.  You will be sent a notice in the mail when we feel it is appropriate to reevaluate the area.  Since an abscess may take 2 years to heal, our office will reevaluate the tooth for at least 2 years.

Retreatment

Occasionally a tooth that has undergone endodontic, treatment fails to heal or pain continues despite therapy. Although rare, sometimes a tooth initially responds to root canal therapy but becomes painful or diseased months or years later. When either of these situations occur, the tooth often can be maintained with a second endodontic treatment.

 
 
11525 Highland Rd, Suite 12
Hartland, MI 48353

Phone:
810-632-3332
Fax:
810-632-2042