How Does Tooth Decay Happen? What to know to keep your smile happy and healthy! Tooth decay isn’t something that happens overnight—it occurs in stages. And the especially bad part is that once this process starts, it’s all but impossible to stop without intervention by a dentist! Initial caries A cavity’s beginning stages (often called […]
About Tom Massarat, DDS, MS
Tom Massarat DDS, MS is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. Dr. Massarat received his Certificate in Endodontics from Northwestern University in 1992. He also received his Dental Degree and Advanced General Dentistry Degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, Ill. Dr. Massarat is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Association of Endodontists (AAE), San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS) and American Board of Endodontists (ABE). He is also an advisor for the Experdent and Summit Study Groups. He has lectured extensively on many aspect of endodontics.Author Archive | Tom Massarat, DDS, MS

Sailing Through Root Canal
Do You Need a Root Canal? Don’t worry, root canal treatment gets a bad rap! Picture this: You are going about your daily routine, and suddenly you feel a slight pain in your tooth when biting down. It steadily gets worse throughout the day, and by that evening, it’s throbbing, painful, and a full-blown toothache. […]

Throbbing Tooth
Do You Have A Throbbing Tooth? When teeth are healthy and working correctly, you hardly notice them as you eat, chew, and go about your day. However, when you have a toothache, there’s almost nothing you can do to take your mind off of it. Teeth don’t hurt for no reason. If you have a […]

Dead Tooth FAQs
What To Know About A Dead Tooth What is a dead tooth? A dead tooth is a commonly used phrase for a tooth that has lost its blood flow and nerve function. Other terms for this condition include non-vital, pulpless, or necrotic teeth. What causes it? A dead tooth can occur whenever the tooth pulp […]

What Is An Endodontist?
What Exactly Is An Endodontist? And Why Do I Need To See One? An endodontist is one of the recognized dental specialists. After obtaining a dental degree, individuals typically require 2-3 additional years of training to become an endodontist. Furthermore, whereas a general dentist provides ongoing preventative care and minor repairs, an endodontist primarily treats […]

The Good News About a Root Canal
Root Canal Therapy Halts Pain! Many patients think “root canals” mean pain. In fact, this procedure is about pain relief. When a tooth is infected, a buildup of pressure causes toothache/tooth pain. And (since the nerve itself is damaged), conventional fillings won’t stop the pain. Instead, we use a “root canal” to get inside the […]

All About Root Canals
What you really need to know about root canals. It’s understandable that you might feel a bit afraid when you hear “root canal,” but with modern anesthetics you’ll rarely be in any pain and it is a necessary procedure to save your tooth. Below we answer some of the frequently asked questions associated with root […]
Tom Massarat DDS, MS
Diplomate of the American Board
of Endodontics
Eastlake Endodontics
2452 Fenton St #303
Chula Vista, CA 91914
(619) 621-5000