Endodontic in Burien, WA
Immediate Same-Day Care Available
When a tooth hurts deeply, becomes infected, or suffers traumatic injury, the path to saving it runs through an endodontist. Endodontics is the dental specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating diseases of the tooth's pulp, nerves, and root systems — the internal structures that keep a tooth alive. While general dentists treat a wide range of oral health concerns, endodontists focus entirely on preserving natural teeth when the problem originates from within.
At Burien Endodontics, Dr. Matthew Tomala and our team provide the full range of endodontic treatments for patients throughout Burien, Kent, Federal Way, SeaTac, and Normandy Park. Dr. Tomala completed his postgraduate training in Endodontics at the University of Washington, where he also earned his Master of Science in Dentistry, and continues his association with UW as an affiliate assistant faculty member in the School of Endodontics. Our state-of-the-art facility combines CBCT imaging, dental operating microscopes, and laser therapy to deliver precise, comfortable care — and no referral is required to schedule.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who completes two to three years of advanced training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the tooth's pulp and surrounding tissues. According to the American Association of Endodontists, endodontists are highly skilled specialists in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing root canal treatment, using the most specialized technology available to save natural teeth. Most patients come to an endodontist either by referral from their general dentist or directly when they experience symptoms like persistent tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity that does not resolve.
How is endodontics different from general dentistry?
General dentists provide broad-based care covering cleanings, fillings, crowns, and basic extractions. Endodontists focus on internal tooth problems — damaged nerves, pulp inflammation, root infections, fractures, and traumatic dental injuries. Because endodontists perform these procedures every day with specialized equipment and magnification, they can often address cases that fall outside what a general practice can safely handle. It is common for endodontists and general dentists to work together to give patients the best chance of keeping their natural tooth long-term.
Common endodontic procedures
The most common endodontic procedure is root canal therapy, which removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue, disinfects the root canal system, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. Beyond root canals, our team regularly performs the following procedures for patients throughout Burien and the surrounding area:
- Root canal therapy: removal of infected or inflamed pulp to save the natural tooth
- Endodontic retreatment: re-treatment of a previous root canal that has failed or become reinfected
- Apicoectomy: surgical removal of the root tip when conventional treatment is insufficient
- Cracked tooth treatment: evaluation and treatment of cracked or fractured teeth with nerve involvement
- Traumatic dental injury care: assessment and treatment of teeth injured in accidents or falls
- Pulp capping: conservative treatment to preserve pulp vitality in teeth with small exposures
- Tooth abscess drainage: relief of acute dental abscesses and infection
- Assessment of tooth restorability: evaluation of whether a tooth can be saved before treatment begins
These are the most common reasons patients visit our Burien office, though our team can address a range of additional endodontic concerns. If you have any questions, we are happy to discuss them.
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 Choose a Specialist for Root Canal Treatment
Not every root canal is straightforward. Teeth can have additional canals, curved roots, calcified pulp chambers, or prior restorations that make treatment more complex. Because endodontists focus exclusively on these procedures, they develop a level of skill and pattern recognition that general dentists who perform root canals occasionally simply cannot match. Dr. Tomala uses Global A-Series 6 Step Dental Microscopes and CBCT three-dimensional imaging for every procedure, allowing him to see structures and details invisible to the naked eye or on traditional X-rays.
For patients in Burien, Kent, Federal Way, SeaTac, and Normandy Park who want the best possible outcome for a tooth that is infected, cracked, or injured, seeing an endodontist directly — rather than waiting for a referral — is the fastest path to relief and the strongest path to saving the tooth.
What Can You Expect During an Endodontic Visit?
Going to the endodontist is focused and efficient. Most often, the visit will focus on a problem tooth or an area of pain or infection. When you arrive, you can expect to meet with a provider to discuss your dental history as well as your specific problem area. You should expect to share information about past surgeries, medications, allergies, and other important facets of your medical history.
Your endodontic team will take diagnostic images and a CBCT scan to accurately visualize the problem area. With the information your endodontist collects, you and your care team can create personalized treatment plans based on specific needs and goals. Most often, assessment and treatment can be accomplished at the same visit.
Additional Services Offered at Burien Endodontics
Beyond our core endodontic services, we provide same-day emergency endodontic care for patients in active pain, pain diagnosis and management for unexplained dental pain, and post-treatment guidance for patients recovering from endodontic procedures. If you have questions about any of our services, our endodontics FAQ page covers the most common topics we hear from patients throughout Burien and King County.
Schedule Your Consultation in Burien, WA Today
At Burien Endodontics, Dr. Tomala is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, the Washington State Association of Endodontics, the American Dental Association, and the Washington State Dental Association. He teaches as an affiliate assistant faculty member at the University of Washington School of Endodontics and brings the same standard of care to every patient, whether it is a routine root canal or a complex surgical case.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, received a referral for endodontic care, or simply want to understand your options, do not wait. Contact Burien Endodontics to schedule your consultation, same-day appointments are available for patients in active pain, and no referral is needed.
