Pain Diagnosis & Management in Burien, WA

Contact Us Now

Understanding the Source of Your Discomfort in Burien, WA

Tooth pain can be a frustrating and distressing experience, often signaling an underlying dental issue that requires prompt attention. Whether it’s a sharp, sudden pain or a persistent ache, diagnosing the cause is the first step toward relief. At Burien Endodontics, we use advanced diagnostic techniques, including CBCT imaging and digital records, to accurately identify the source of dental pain and develop an effective treatment plan. Our goal is to not only relieve discomfort but also preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

Common Causes of Dental Pain

Tooth pain can result from various conditions, some requiring immediate intervention. The most common causes include:

• Deep Decay or Cavities – When decay reaches the inner layers of the tooth, it can cause sensitivity and pain.
• Infected or Inflamed Pulp – The soft tissue inside the tooth, known as the pulp, can become irritated due to decay, trauma, or bacterial infection.
• Cracked or Fractured Teeth – A crack in the tooth may not always be visible but can cause sharp pain when chewing or exposed to temperature changes.
• Failed Root Canal Treatment – If a previous root canal does not fully heal or bacteria persist in the canals, the infection may return, causing discomfort.
• Dental Abscess – A pus-filled infection near the root of the tooth can cause severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity.
• Gum Infections – Periodontal disease or deep pockets of infection in the gums can mimic tooth pain.

If you’re experiencing dental pain, an early diagnosis can prevent further complications. Our team at Burien Endodontics specializes in identifying and treating these conditions before they worsen.

How We Diagnose Dental Pain

At Burien Endodontics, we take a precise and comprehensive approach to diagnosing dental pain. Our process includes:

1. Clinical Examination – We assess the affected tooth, surrounding gums, and bite function to identify visible signs of damage or infection.
2. CBCT 3D Imaging – Advanced cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a detailed, three-dimensional view of the tooth, root structure, and surrounding bone, allowing us to detect hidden issues.
3. Pulp Vitality Testing – We perform sensitivity tests to evaluate the health of the tooth’s pulp and determine if the nerve is still alive.
4. Bite & Pressure Tests – To identify cracks or fractures, we assess how the tooth responds to chewing pressure.

This comprehensive diagnostic approach ensures we pinpoint the exact cause of pain and recommend the most effective treatment.

Endodontic Pain Management & Treatment Options

Once we’ve diagnosed the source of your discomfort, we develop a customized treatment plan to relieve pain and restore your tooth’s health. Our treatments may include:

• Root Canal Therapy  – If the pulp is infected or inflamed, we remove the diseased tissue, disinfect the canals, and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection. A minimally-invasive dental laser is used to perform this procedure to not only improve healing time by creating less inflammation, but it can also stimulate the body’s natural healing process to reduce pain. 
• Root Canal Retreatment  – If a previous root canal has failed, we carefully retreat the tooth to ensure complete healing.
• Apicoectomy (Surgical Root Canal Treatment) – If infection persists at the root tip despite conventional treatment, a minor surgical procedure may be necessary to remove the infected tissue. During this surgery, the use of dental lasers is common to disinfect and cauterize, resulting in accelerated healing and reduced inflammation, getting you back on your feet quickly.
• Assessment of Cracks & Fractures – We determine the extent of any tooth cracks and recommend appropriate restorative solutions.
• Resorption Cases – If the tooth structure is breaking down due to internal or external resorption, we evaluate the best course of action to preserve your natural tooth.

Our goal is to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and restore function while preserving your natural tooth whenever possible. If extraction is unavoidable, we work closely with your general dentist to discuss long-term restorative options.

Why Choose Burien Endodontics for Pain Diagnosis & Treatment?

At Burien Endodontics, we provide compassionate, expert care using the latest technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective pain management. Our team is dedicated to preserving your natural teeth through precise, minimally invasive procedures.

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe tooth pain, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent complications and provide long-lasting relief. Call us today at (253) 246-1970 or contact us through our online form to schedule an evaluation.

Why Choose Burien Endodontics for an Apicoectomy?

At Burien Endodontics, we provide compassionate, expert care using the latest technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective pain management. Our team is dedicated to preserving your natural teeth through precise, minimally invasive procedures.

If you’re experiencing persistent or severe tooth pain, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent complications and provide long-lasting relief. Call us today at (253) 246-1970  or contact us through our online form to schedule an evaluation.