Endodontics Near You
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. Endodontic therapy, or root canal treatment in Mira Mesa, San Diego, treats the soft pulp tissue within the tooth. An endodontist specializes in saving teeth.
Dr. Joel Altshul grew up in the Los Angeles area then in 1974 moved to San Diego to attend UCSD where he graduated with a BS degree in biology. He then was accepted to Washington University St Louis, School of Dental Medicine where he earned his DMD degreein 1982. He practiced general dentistry for 11 years before returning to school for his post graduate training in Endodontics
at Oregon Health Sciences University in 1996.
Dr. Altshul wanted to move back to North San Diego County and in 1997 opened private practice in Vista, Ca and he practiced therefor 25 years. In 2021, he closed his practice and has been enjoying semi-retirement ever since.
Root canal therapy in Mira Mesa, San Diego is the preferred method of treatment to save a tooth that would otherwise be lost as a result of infection inside the nerve of the tooth. Preserving the tooth is ideal because it eliminates the problems created by a missing tooth – problems that quickly become more costly, painful, and inconvenient as time goes on.
In this procedure, the pulp of the tooth (the living tissue inside) is removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials that restore the tooth to full function. Root canal therapy is a highly successful treatment that can last for many years, and, thanks to modern advancements in dental medicine, the procedure is far more comfortable than it has been in the past.
There are a number of signs that suggest root canal therapy may be necessary:
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Swelling or tenderness.
What can this procedure repair?
- Decay that has reached the tooth pulp.
- Infections or abscesses that have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth.
How is this procedure done?
Root canal therapy can often be done in one appointment, though more appointments may be necessary. At your appointment, our endodontist will numb the are and place a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. Dr. Zarchy will then create an access opening in the surface of the tooth, allowing for the placement of a series of root canal files. The pulp, nerve tissue, and any bacteria or tooth decay that may be present are then removed with specialized dental tools. She will then seal the tooth with a filling.
Once the root canal procedure is complete, your general dentist will then fit the tooth for a permanent crown that will return the tooth to its full, natural function.
What kind of follow up care should I expect?
Many patients find that their tooth is sensitive to heat and cold immediately following root canal therapy. This is temporary, and it will subside once the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. Your Scripps West Dental team will provide you with care instructions after each appointment throughout the process. It is also important to remember that good oral hygiene at home combined with regular dental visits are the very best way to secure the health and beauty of both your natural teeth and any dental restorations you may have. As with all restorative treatments, teeth restored through root canal therapy can last a lifetime, but may have to be retreated due to new infections.
Request an appointment for root canal treatment in Mira Mesa, San Diego now!