Types of Root Fractures and Their Treatment Options

3d render of translucent gums with cracked tooth over white background. Fractured cusps. Different types of broken teeth concept.

Root fractures represent some of the most challenging dental emergencies, often causing intense pain and threatening the long-term health of your natural teeth. When the root structure beneath your gumline becomes cracked or broken, immediate professional assessment becomes critical to determining whether the tooth can be preserved or requires more extensive intervention. At Burien Endodontics,…

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How Endodontists Assess Tooth Restorability

Dentist examine oral cavity of female patient with microscope

What separates a tooth that can be saved from one that can’t? The answer often surprises patients, as endodontists regularly preserve teeth that appear severely damaged. This specialized assessment process reveals hidden potential in your natural tooth structure. At Burien Endodontics, Dr. Matthew Tomala and our team combine high-quality, gentle care with cutting-edge technology to…

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Same-Day Emergency Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect

Human teeth anatomy. Cross section of human tooth. 3d illustration

Severe tooth pain doesn’t follow a schedule, and when endodontic emergencies strike, immediate treatment can mean the difference between saving your tooth and losing it. Same-day emergency root canal treatment provides rapid relief while preserving your natural tooth structure, eliminating the need to endure pain for days or weeks while waiting for an appointment. At…

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Is It Safe to Get a Root Canal While Pregnant?

Dentist doctor prescribing a treatment to a pregnant woman smiling while sitting on dental chair

When you’re expecting, dental emergencies don’t wait. Severe tooth pain can leave you wondering whether root canal treatment is safe for both you and your baby, especially when the discomfort becomes unbearable. Root canal therapy can be safely performed during pregnancy when necessary to address infection and pain. At Burien Endodontics, Dr. Matthew Tomala and…

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How Endodontists Treat Internal Tooth Trauma

X-ray of a diseased tooth.

When your tooth suffers internal damage from an injury, infection, or other trauma, specialized care becomes essential for preserving your natural tooth structure. Internal tooth trauma affects the dental pulp, or the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and requires expert attention from an endodontist, a dental specialist specifically…

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The Science of Pulp Capping: Preserving Tooth Vitality Through Specialized Care

Dental tools and equipment in the dentist office background

When tooth decay or trauma exposes the dental pulp, or the living tissue inside your tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, preserving its vitality becomes a critical concern. Pulp capping is a specialized endodontic procedure designed to protect exposed or nearly exposed pulp, stimulate the formation of reparative dentin, and maintain the tooth’s…

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Understanding the Role of Advanced Technology in Root Canal Therapy

Dental treatment tools

Dental anxiety often peaks at the mention of root canal therapy, yet modern technological advancements have transformed this once-dreaded procedure into a precise, efficient, and significantly more comfortable experience. Today’s root canal treatments bear little resemblance to those performed decades ago, thanks to revolutionary imaging systems, specialized instruments, and innovative disinfection methods. These technological improvements…

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What Is an Apicoectomy and When Might You Need One?

Modern dental office interior with chair, equipment, and window.

Dental procedures can sometimes seem intimidating, especially when they involve surgical intervention beyond standard treatments. If you’ve been told you might need an apicoectomy, you’re likely wondering what exactly this procedure entails and why your previous root canal treatment wasn’t sufficient. This specialized endodontic surgery serves as an important option for preserving teeth that continue…

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When Is a Cracked Tooth an Emergency: Why Same-Day Treatment Is Important

cracked tooth

Imagine taking a sip of your favorite hot coffee and feeling a sudden jolt of pain in your tooth. It wasn’t there yesterday, so what changed? Could it be a cracked tooth? While some minor cracks may not be urgent, others can quickly escalate into dental emergencies. Understanding the signs of a cracked tooth and…

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