Endodontics in St. Louis Park, MN

What Is Endodontics?

The word “endodontic” comes from the Greek words endo (inside) and odont (tooth). Endodontics is a dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries affecting the dental pulp and the surrounding tissues of the tooth root.

This specialty involves procedures that go beyond surface-level care, addressing issues inside the tooth such as:

• Deep decay that has reached the pulp
• Repeated dental procedures on a single tooth
• Cracks or fractures that extend into the root
• Internal infection or abscess
• Traumatic dental injuries

Endodontic therapy can often save teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted, allowing patients to maintain their natural smiles.

Signs You May Need Endodontic Evaluation

While not all symptoms mean you need endodontic treatment, the following signs may indicate an internal issue that requires evaluation:

• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
• Persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums
• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
• A small bump or pimple on the gum near the affected tooth
• A tooth that has sustained trauma or impact

Even in the absence of symptoms, issues can develop deep inside a tooth. That’s why regular dental exams and digital imaging are essential for early detection.

Endodontic Services at Creekside Dental

At Creekside Dental, we provide a range of endodontic services using modern techniques and diagnostic tools — including high-resolution imaging and intraoral cameras.

Our services include:

• Endodontic diagnostics – Using digital imaging and clinical evaluation to detect inflammation, infection, or trauma within a tooth
• Pulp vitality testing – Determining the health and responsiveness of the pulp
• Cracked tooth diagnosis – Identifying hidden fractures that may compromise the tooth’s long-term viability
• Endodontic retreatment – Addressing previous root canal work that has failed or become reinfected
• Referral coordination – In complex or surgical cases, we coordinate with local endodontic specialists for procedures such as apicoectomy or advanced microsurgery

While root canal therapy is the most well-known endodontic procedure, our approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis and personalized care planning — not simply performing treatment for every case.

How We Support Tooth Preservation

As general dentists with training in endodontics, we always aim to help you keep your natural teeth whenever possible. Endodontic therapy is designed to:

• Eliminate infection and relieve pain
• Preserve the structure and function of the natural tooth
• Prevent the need for extraction or tooth replacement
• Maintain normal chewing and bite alignment
• Support long-term oral and systemic health

By preserving the tooth structure from within, endodontic care plays a critical role in comprehensive, minimally invasive dentistry.

Why Choose Creekside Dental for Endodontic Care?

Our team combines advanced technology with a patient-first approach. Whether you're experiencing pain, have been referred for evaluation, or are managing a long-term issue with a previously treated tooth, we provide the clarity and care you deserve.

We’re committed to:

• Conservative treatment planning
• Transparent discussions about options
• Use of sedation when appropriate (see sedation options)
• Convenient coordination of care if specialty referral is needed
• A welcoming and supportive environment for anxious patients

We treat patients from St. Louis Park and surrounding areas, including Edina, Hopkins, Golden Valley, Richfield, and Southwest Minneapolis.