An endodontist is a dentist who has completed at least two additional years of advanced specialty training focused on diagnosing and treating conditions of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues.

This training allows an endodontist to:

• Diagnose and manage complex root canal conditions
• Perform retreatment of previously treated teeth
• Address dental-related facial pain
• Perform apical (endodontic) surgery when necessary

Patients are often referred when a case is more complex or requires advanced technology and specialized expertise.

Dr. O’Leary believes that informed patients make confident decisions. She takes time to explain diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect so that patients feel comfortable throughout the process.

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures, or trauma, root canal treatment may be necessary to preserve the natural tooth.

Once a tooth is fully developed, it can function normally without the pulp because it continues to receive nourishment from surrounding tissues.

Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or infected tissue, carefully cleans and shapes the canal system, and seals the space to prevent reinfection while preserving the natural tooth.

Many treatments can be completed in a single visit, depending on the complexity of the tooth.

Common causes of pulp inflammation or infection include:

• Deep decay
• Cracks or fractures
• Repeated dental procedures
• Trauma

Symptoms may include prolonged sensitivity to temperature, pain when biting, swelling, or discoloration. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

Left untreated, infection can lead to persistent pain or abscess formation.

In some situations, conventional root canal treatment alone may not fully resolve infection. When this occurs, apical surgery — also known as an apicoectomy — may be recommended.

During this procedure, the tip of the root is accessed through the gum tissue, infected tissue is removed, and the root end is sealed. Apical surgery allows preservation of the natural tooth when retreatment alone is not sufficient.

This procedure is performed using magnification and microsurgical techniques to ensure precision and optimal healing.

Tooth pain is often what brings patients to our office. Fortunately, modern anesthetics allow treatment to be performed comfortably in most cases.

When addressed early, root canal treatment often feels no different than receiving a filling.

Mild tenderness to biting pressure may occur for a few days after treatment as the surrounding tissues recover.

Advanced irrigation technologies are routinely incorporated to enhance disinfection within the root canal system while preserving healthy tooth structure. This comprehensive yet conservative approach supports a smooth post-operative recovery for most patients.

Our goal is not only to resolve infection, but to do so in a way that prioritizes patient comfort and long-term success.