Endodontics

Doo Yong Lim, DDS

Endodontics in Covina, CA

Specialty in Endodontics, University of Southern California
Doctorate in Dental Surgery, University of the Pacific
Bachelor of Science, University of the Pacific

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Comprehensive Summary: Endodontic Treatment and Retreatment

Endodontics is the dental specialty focused on treating infections inside the tooth, particularly within the nerves and root canals. The most common procedure is a root canal, which is necessary when the pulp (nerve tissue) becomes infected. If untreated, the infection can spread and lead to abscesses and bone loss.

During a root canal, the area is numbed, infected tissue is removed, and the canals are thoroughly cleaned and sealed with a material called gutta percha. A crown is typically placed afterward to restore the tooth’s strength and function. When done by an endodontist, root canals have a success rate of up to 95%, and treated teeth can last as long as natural ones.

Thanks to advanced technology such as dental microscopes and 3D dental CT imaging (CBCT), root canal procedures today are highly precise, efficient, and comfortable. These tools allow us to detect complex or hidden anatomy and perform treatment with exceptional accuracy. Local anesthesia and modern techniques make the process virtually painless for most patients, with only minor soreness afterward.

Sometimes, a tooth may not heal properly or becomes reinfected due to:

• Missed or curved canals
• Undetected anatomy
• Delay in crown placement
• New decay or a cracked filling exposing the root canal

In such cases, retreatment may be needed. This involves reopening the tooth, removing the old root canal filling, and cleaning and resealing the canals using high-powered magnification and imaging. A new crown is then placed for protection.

If retreatment isn’t viable or fails, an apicoectomy—a microsurgical procedure—may be performed. This involves removing the root tip and sealing the end, again using surgical microscopes and advanced instruments to ensure precision.

At College Street Family Dental, we utilize cutting-edge technology—including microscopes, digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and 3D dental CT scans—to provide the highest standard of endodontic care. Our team of general dentists and in-house specialists delivers seamless treatment under one roof.

Serving Covina, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, Azusa, La Puente, Baldwin Park, Pomona, Duarte, Arcadia, Irwindale, and Diamond Bar, we’ve proudly cared for patients of all ages for over 20 years. Call us today at (626) 339-9085 to schedule your appointment.