Our Procedures
Endodontic Procedures in Salinas
At Salinas Endodontics, we offer a comprehensive range of endodontic services designed to relieve pain, treat infection, and preserve your natural teeth. From routine root canal treatment and emergency care to advanced procedures such as endodontic surgery, retreatment, and regenerative endodontics, Dr. Malek has the training, technology, and experience to handle cases of every level of complexity. Whatever brings you to our office, you can expect precise, compassionate care delivered in a comfortable environment by Dr. Malek who is exclusively dedicated to the specialty of endodontics.
Endodontic Surgery / Apicoectomy
Most root canal-treated teeth can be successfully managed without surgery. However, when infection persists around the tip of the root or a tooth does not heal as expected after root canal treatment, endodontic surgery may be recommended.
The most common endodontic surgical procedure is an apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery..Endodontic surgery is a precise, minimally invasive approach used when infection persists at the root tip, when complex root anatomy prevents conventional treatment from reaching all affected areas, or when a previous root canal has not healed as expected despite retreatment. The most common endodontic surgical procedure is an apicoectomy, also referred to as root-end surgery.
During this procedure, Dr. Malek makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the underlying bone and the tip of the root. The infected tissue and a small portion of the root tip are carefully removed, and the end of the root is cleaned, shaped, and sealed with a biocompatible filling material. The area is then sutured, and healing progresses over the following weeks.
Despite the word "surgery," most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the procedure and recovery are. An apicoectomy is performed under local anesthesia and is typically completed in less than two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Some mild swelling and tenderness in the days following the procedure are normal and are easily managed with over-the-counter medication and the aftercare instructions provided by our team. Long-term success rates for apicoectomy are excellent, particularly when performed by an experienced endodontic specialist using magnification and precision instruments. At Salinas Endodontics, we perform endodontic surgery with the same care, technology, and commitment to your comfort that define every procedure we offer. Our goal is always to preserve your natural tooth whenever clinically possible, and endodontic surgery is one more powerful tool that allows us to do exactly that.
Endodontic Retreatment
With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can remain healthy and functional for a lifetime. However, in some cases a previously treated tooth may fail to heal completely, or it may develop new problems months or even years after the original procedure. This can occur for a number of reasons, including canals that were not fully cleaned or sealed during the initial treatment, a delay in placing the final restoration that allowed bacteria to re-enter the tooth, new decay that compromised the existing seal, or the presence of narrow or curved canals that were not fully accessible with earlier technology. When this happens, endodontic retreatment offers a proven solution. During the procedure, Dr. Malek will reopen the tooth, carefully remove the existing root canal filling material, and thoroughly clean, reshape, and re-examine each canal, with the benefit of an operating microscope that allows for a much higher level of visibility. Using modern technology and magnification, many teeth that might otherwise require extraction can be successfully treated and preserved.
Emergency
Procedures
Dental emergencies can happen without warning, and prompt evaluation and treatment by a specialist can often make the difference between saving and losing a natural tooth. At Salinas Endodontics, we prioritize patients experiencing severe dental pain, traumatic dental injuries, swelling, or infection and make every effort to provide same-day emergency care.
Common endodontic emergencies include severe toothaches, cracked or fractured teeth, abscesses or swellings, and teeth that have been displaced or knocked out due to trauma.
Dental trauma in particular, whether from a sports injury, an accident, or an unexpected impact, requires careful and timely assessment to determine the health of the pulp and the viability of the affected tooth. In cases involving younger patients or teeth with developing roots, a pulpotomy may be the most appropriate first response. This procedure removes the infected or inflamed portion of the pulp while preserving the healthy remaining tissue, protecting the tooth's ability to continue developing and maintaining its natural structure. Whether your emergency involves acute pain, physical trauma, or a tooth that simply cannot wait for a routine appointment, our team at Salinas Endodontics has the training, technology, and clinical judgment to respond effectively and compassionately, with one unwavering goal: saving your natural tooth.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is one of the most effective, yet commonly misunderstood procedures in dentistry. When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma, root canal treatment removes the source of pain and preserves the natural tooth. At Salinas Endodontics, Dr. Ariana Malek brings specialized endodontic training and advanced technology to every procedure, ensuring a precise, comfortable experience from start to finish. The process involves carefully removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent future infection. Most patients are surprised to find that treatment feels no different from a routine filling and that they leave with relief rather than discomfort. Saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy protects your bite, preserves surrounding bone, and avoids the cost and complexity of tooth replacement options down the road.
Pediatric Endodontics
Children and adolescents have unique endodontic needs, particularly when dental injuries or infections affect developing teeth. At Salinas Endodontics, Dr. Malek provides specialized pediatric endodontic care with a focus on preserving natural teeth, relieving pain, and supporting continued root development whenever possible.
While endodontic treatment can be intimidating for patients of any age, Dr. Malek enjoys helping young patients feel at ease during treatment and is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care for growing smiles. We routinely evaluate and treat dental trauma in children and teenagers, including decayed, fractured, displaced teeth, and avulsed (knocked-out) teeth. Prompt treatment can be critical to preserving the tooth and improving long-term outcomes.
Depending on the stage of development and the extent of the injury or infection, treatment may include pulpotomy, apexogenesis, regenerative endodontic therapy, apexification, or root canal treatment for immature teeth. These procedures are designed to maintain the health of the pulp whenever possible, encourage continued root maturation, and strengthen the long-term prognosis of the tooth.
Because developing teeth require specialized care, Dr. Malek utilizes advanced imaging, modern techniques, and evidence-based treatment protocols to provide comprehensive care for pediatric endodontic patients in a comfortable and supportive environment.
CBCT Imaging
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of successful endodontic treatment. Unlike two-dimensional conventional dental radiographs, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology generates a precise, three-dimensional view of the tooth, its root structure, the surrounding bone, and adjacent anatomical areas. Think of CBCT as a GPS for your tooth. This advanced imaging technology allows Dr. Malek to identify narrow canals, detect the true extent of infection, and plan treatment with a level of accuracy that directly improves outcomes for our patients. At Salinas Endodontics, CBCT imaging is an important part of how we approach complex cases and ensure that nothing is missed before treatment begins.
Sedation
At Salinas Endodontics, we understand that dental anxiety is real, and we believe it should never stand between a patient and the care they need. That is why we offer sedation options designed to help you feel calm, relaxed, and fully at ease throughout your procedure. Whether you experience mild nervousness or significant apprehension about dental treatment, our team will take the time to discuss your concerns and recommend the sedation approach that is right for you.
We offer nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” as a safe and effective option for patients who want to take the edge off without significant sedation. Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask placed gently over the nose, producing a relaxed, pleasant feeling within minutes. It wears off quickly once the mask is removed, meaning most patients are able to drive themselves home after their appointment and return to normal activities the same day. Our doctors and staff are experienced in administering sedation with careful attention to your comfort and safety at every stage of your visit. You deserve endodontic care that is not only clinically excellent but genuinely stress-free, and we are here to make that possible.
For patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, we also offer oral conscious sedation with Halcion (triazolam). Taken prior to your appointment in office, this medication helps you feel deeply relaxed and comfortable while remaining awake and able to respond to instructions throughout treatment. Many patients report little memory of the procedure and find the experience significantly less stressful than anticipated. Because the effects of Halcion can persist for several hours, patients receiving oral sedation must arrange for a responsible adult to drive them to and from their appointment. During your consultation, Dr. Malek will review your medical history and discuss whether oral sedation is a safe and appropriate option for you.
