Endodontic in Burien, WA
Immediate Same-Day Care Available
When a tooth hurts deeply, becomes infected, or is injured, the path to keeping it often runs through an endodontist. Endodontics focuses on the pulp, nerves, and roots inside the tooth, which are the structures that keep a tooth alive. Our aim is to treat problems from within so you can keep your natural teeth.
At Burien Endodontics, Dr. Matthew Tomala treats patients from Burien, Kent, Federal Way, SeaTac, and Normandy Park. He completed his postgraduate endodontic training at the University of Washington, earned a Master of Science in Dentistry there, and teaches as an affiliate assistant faculty member. Our care begins with non-surgical root canal therapy whenever it is appropriate, and no referral is needed to schedule.
What an Endodontist Does
An endodontist is a dentist with additional years of advanced training in diagnosing tooth pain and saving natural teeth, according to the American Association of Endodontists. General dentists provide a wide range of care, including cleanings, fillings, and crowns. Endodontists focus on internal tooth problems such as damaged nerves, pulp inflammation, root infections, fractures, and injuries.
Many patients arrive on a referral from their general dentist, and many call us directly when pain, swelling, or sensitivity does not go away. In both situations, we coordinate with your general dentist so the final restoration is placed after treatment.
Endodontic Treatments We Provide
Our team provides the following services, and each page below explains the process in more detail.
- Root canal therapy to remove infected or inflamed pulp and seal the tooth
- Endodontic retreatment for a previous root canal that shows signs of disease
- Apicoectomy surgery to treat the root tip when standard treatment is not enough
- Cracked tooth and traumatic injury assessment and treatment
- Pulp therapy with direct and indirect pulp capping
- Pain diagnosis and management for pain without an obvious cause
We also assess whether a tooth can be restored, look for root cracks and fractures, and evaluate resorption cases. These evaluations help you decide whether saving the tooth is the right choice.
Expert Endodontic Care When You Need It Most
Specialized root canal therapy and endodontic treatment delivered with precision and compassion.
- Board-certified endodontists with advanced training
- Advanced microscopic techniques for optimal outcomes
- Same-day emergency appointments available
- Pain-free procedures with modern anesthesia options
Why Preserving Your Natural Tooth Matters
A natural tooth continues to support the surrounding bone and helps keep neighboring teeth in position. Removing a tooth can lead to additional treatment later, so we focus on saving the tooth when that is clinically reasonable. When a tooth cannot be saved, we explain why and discuss your options with your general dentist.
Technology That Supports Accurate Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis shapes every treatment decision. We take diagnostic images and a CBCT scan when needed, use dental operating microscopes, and keep 100% digital patient records. You can read more about the tools we use on our technology page. Where appropriate, laser technology supports disinfection, pain management, healing, and a reduction in inflammation.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your visit focuses on the tooth that is causing concern. You will meet with our team to review your dental and medical history, including past surgeries, medications, and allergies. We perform a localized exam, take diagnostic images and a CBCT scan, and explain what we find in plain language.
After that, we discuss treatment options, including the benefits and limits of each. Most often, assessment and treatment can be completed at the same visit, and we send findings to your general dentist so your care stays connected.
When Should You See an Endodontist?
Consider calling if you have pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, swelling near a tooth, a recurring bump on the gums, or a tooth that darkens after an injury. Pain after a previous root canal also deserves an evaluation. If symptoms are severe or swelling spreads, our emergency endodontic care page explains how we handle urgent visits.
Insurance and Payment
Our front office checks your benefits and files claims for you. Our software processes claims in real time, so you know your estimated insurance portion before treatment. Only the estimated portion not covered by insurance is due at the time of service, and we discuss financing options before treatment if needed. Visit our page on accepted insurance for details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontic Care
Schedule Your Visit With Burien Endodontics
Dr. Tomala is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, the Washington State Association of Endodontics, the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, and the King County Dental Society. He brings 15 years of endodontic experience to every visit, from routine root canals to surgical cases.
If you have tooth pain or a referral for endodontic care, call (206) 402-5147 or use our contact form. We are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
