Additional Endodontic Treatments

In Laguna Niguel, CA

Endodontic emergencies can arise suddenly, causing severe pain and discomfort. Common signs include acute toothaches, swelling, or trauma to the teeth. Prompt care is essential to alleviate symptoms, prevent further complications, and restore your oral health. At Laguna Niguel Endodontics, Dr. Gharavi and our team understand the urgency of dental emergencies. We are committed to providing timely, compassionate care to relieve pain and protect your teeth when you need it most.

Traumatic dental injuries refer to damage affecting the teeth, jaw, or soft oral tissues, often caused by accidents, sports, or other impacts. These injuries can range from minor chips and fractures to more serious damage, such as loosened, dislodged, or knocked-out teeth. Some injuries may involve internal damage to the dental pulp, which requires prompt evaluation and treatment to preserve the tooth and maintain oral health.

Endodontic treatment is often essential in these situations to save and protect the injured teeth. Seeking care quickly is critical to prevent infection, reduce complications, and increase the chances of preserving the affected teeth. Timely treatment can help maintain the function and long-term health of your natural teeth.

At Laguna Niguel Endodontics, Dr. Gharavi and our team understand the urgency of traumatic dental injuries. We are committed to providing prompt, compassionate care when you need it most, using advanced techniques to restore and protect your teeth.

Cracked teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain when chewing, discomfort when biting pressure is released, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, or pressure sensitivity. Because the discomfort often comes and goes, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Early detection is essential to prevent further damage and preserve your natural tooth.

A cracked tooth occurs when there is a fracture in the tooth structure. This can result from several factors, including chewing hard foods or objects, bruxism (teeth grinding), trauma to the mouth, or large fillings that weaken the tooth. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the crack:

• Craze Lines: Small, superficial cracks in the enamel that typically do not require treatment.
• Fractured Cusp: A crack in the chewing surface. Treatment may involve removing the damaged portion and restoring the tooth.
• Cracked Tooth: A vertical crack extending into the tooth. Root canal therapy may be necessary to relieve pain, prevent infection, and save the tooth.
• Split Tooth: A severe crack where the tooth is split into segments. Extraction may be the only option.

Why seek endodontic care? Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating cracked teeth. Dr. Gharavi will assess the depth of the crack, determine if the pulp (nerve) is affected, and recommend the best treatment to save your tooth. Early intervention increases the likelihood of preserving your natural tooth and preventing further complications.

Internal bleaching is a specialized dental procedure designed to restore the natural color of a discolored tooth. It is especially effective for teeth that have darkened following root canal therapy, trauma, resorption, or dental materials placed over time.

During the procedure, our team evaluates the extent of discoloration and the overall health of the tooth before placing a safe bleaching agent inside it. The bleaching process whitens the tooth from within, and progress is carefully monitored to achieve the best possible results.

Internal bleaching is a safe, minimally invasive approach that preserves the tooth’s structure while improving its appearance. In many cases, it can restore a natural, bright smile without the need for a crown or veneer.

These treatments are designed for children and teenagers whose teeth are still developing. When a young permanent tooth is injured or affected by decay, the root may not be fully formed, which can make the tooth weaker and more vulnerable. Endodontic procedures such as apexogenesis and apexification help preserve these teeth and support healthy development.

Apexogenesis is performed when the dental pulp is still healthy enough to heal. A medicated material is placed over the pulp to encourage continued root growth and normal tissue development. This allows the root walls to thicken and the tip (apex) to mature naturally, resulting in a stronger, more stable tooth. Apexification is recommended when the pulp is too damaged to remain healthy.

In this case, the damaged tissue is removed, and a special biocompatible material is placed near the root tip. This stimulates the formation of a hard tissue barrier at the end of the root. Both procedures are important for preserving the health, strength, and function of young permanent teeth, giving them the best chance to last a lifetime.

Regenerative endodontics is an innovative treatment approach that focuses on promoting the natural healing and growth of immature teeth with damaged or infected pulp tissue. Unlike traditional root canal therapy, which removes tissue and fills the root canal, regenerative endodontics aims to encourage the growth of healthy tissue inside the tooth, supporting continued root development.

This technique is particularly beneficial for children and teenagers whose teeth are still developing. During the procedure, Dr. Gharavi will carefully remove infected or damaged pulp tissue and create an environment that promotes healing using biocompatible materials, such as growth factors, scaffolds, and stem cells. This encourages the formation of new dentin, pulp, and other vital structures, helping the tooth continue to grow and strengthen naturally.

Benefits of Regenerative Endodontics:

• Preservation of tooth vitality and function
• Continued development and maturation of the tooth’s root
• Enhanced long-term prognosis and potential for lifelong tooth retention

At Laguna Niguel Endodontics, our goal is to provide the most advanced, patient-centered care, helping young patients save their natural teeth while supporting long-term oral health. If your child has a damaged or infected tooth, regenerative endodontics may offer a promising alternative to traditional root canal therapy.

Root resorption is a condition that occurs when the body begins to break down and absorb the structure of a tooth’s root. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including trauma, infection, orthodontic treatment, or underlying health conditions. Because it often progresses without noticeable symptoms, early detection is key. At our practice, we use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to accurately identify and manage root resorption, helping to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible. If you’ve been referred or suspect something might be wrong, we’re here to provide clarity, support, and expert care every step of the way.