Main Line Endodontic Associates, P.C. is dedicated to the specialty of root canal therapy (endodontics).  We take great pride in our work, and your comfort and optimal treatment outcome is our highest priority.  It is a privilege to serve you and the many dentists who have referred their patients, family members, and even themselves in this location for over 35 years. We work closely with your referring dentist to optimize the best treatment results. 

Root Canal (Endodontic) Treatment

Root canal (endodontic) treatment is necessary to save a tooth when the pulp (inner tissue of the tooth) becomes inflamed or infected. This usually occurs due to deep tooth decay, cracks or trauma to a tooth. If the damaged pulp is left untreated it can cause pain, sensitivity, discoloration, swelling and/or tenderness.

During endodontic treatment, patients will typically receive local anesthesia to insure their comfort. The damaged pulp tissue is removed and after disinfection the canals are filled to seal them.  A temporary filling material is then placed in the crown of the tooth. 

Endodontic Retreatment

Occasionally, endodontic treatment fails to heal or becomes re-infected. Sometimes this is caused by inadequate or incomplete prior root canal treatment or leaking fillings.  In many of these cases, endodontic retreatment can provide a successful outcome. This treatment is similar to endodontic treatment. During retreatment, your tooth will be reopened and the previous root canal filling materials will be removed. Then the canals will be re-cleaned and shaped, and new filling materials will be placed into the canals to seal them.

Endodontic Microsurgery (Apicoectomy)

Rarely, endodontic treatments do not provide healing of an infection and endodontic microsurgery (apicoectomy) becomes the best option to save a tooth.  An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure to remove infection around one or more roots.  The treatment is performed in our office with a surgical microscope and requires only local anesthesia ("Novocaine").

Teeth Bleaching

Occasionally a tooth can become discolored or darkened due to a damaged pulp or trauma. Many of these situations can be treated with a special bleaching procedure after endodontic treatment. This type of bleaching usually requires between two and three short appointments and does not require the use of local anesthesia.

Jaw Pain Diagnosis

Oral/facial pain can be complex. Sometimes is difficult to differentiate between tooth pain and other types of oral/facial pain.  As specialists, Drs. Hurtt and Kunz have a great deal of training, experience and technology to help differentiate dental from non-dental pain. They work with other top specialists in the Philadelphia area to best help those patients with complex oral/facial pain.

For more information visit www.AAE.org.