RECONSTRUCTIVE, SURGICAL & IMPLANT DENTISTRY When considering any type of dental procedures such as reconstructive, surgical or implant dentistry a complete set of diagnostic x-rays and examination is necessary. We at Conejo Dental feel that well informed patients are an important part of our practice and sometimes there are various options which need to be considered. The following are samples of just a few of the procedures currently being performed at Conejo Dental: Endodontics - Many more teeth today are being retained for longer periods with endodontic and reconstructive procedures. When a tooth is severely damaged, many times the nerve or pulp needs to be removed. This is done with a procedure called endodontic or root canal treatment. Once the inside or pulp of the tooth is removed and filled the tooth can usually be retained for many years by reconstructing the tooth with a post and crown. Surgical Procedures - Generally is dealing with the extraction of teeth, periodontal surgery and implant procedures. Implants - When a tooth is too severely damaged or broken beyond repair, a replacement tooth can sometimes be fashioned on top of an implant. An implant is a cylinder or screw that is surgically placed into the jaw. This will help support or retain a replacement tooth or in some cases an entire set of teeth. Implants have been in use now for over 30 years with a high degree of success but there are risks to having implants done and they are usually reserved for situations where no other restorative solution is possible. Many times fixed bridges or partial dentures are a more conservative alternative to implants. This decision is one that can be made with the assistance of your dentists.