Sarmiento Microendodontics | The Superheroes of Saving Teeth

by cheryl ricer photos by Karina Eremina of Joy of the Moment Photography

While no one wants to be faced with tooth issues, there may come a time when you encounter an issue that is best treated by a specialist rather than a general dentist. At Sarmiento Microendodontics in Cypress, you’ll find just that: expertise and excellence when you need it most.

Bernardo F. Sarmiento Jr., DDS, MSD, is the skilled endodontist leading the team at Sarmiento Microendodontics. Professionalism is a cornerstone of Dr. Sarmiento’s practice. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he earned his degree in dentistry from the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in 1998. After practicing general dentistry for 12 years, he completed a two-year postdoctoral program at the University of Rochester-Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester, New York, in 2012.

In 2015, he earned a postdoctoral certificate in endodontics and Master of Science in dentistry at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), where he received awards from the American Association of Endodontists. After becoming a licensed specialist, Dr. Sarmiento moved with his wife and three children to The Woodlands. Dr. Sarmiento practices proficiency in all areas of modern advanced endodontics and is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association.

Bernardo Sarmiento

Along with his expertise, patient care is a key to the success at Sarmiento Microendodontics.

“Most of our patients are referred to us by their general dentists when they are in need of a root canal,” explained Dr. Sarmiento, “and we highly value the relationships we have with the referring dentists. They turn to us due to the complexity or difficulty of the case. When the patient visits us, they may be in extreme pain, so assessing their individual situation and alleviating their pain quickly is our goal.”

Dr. Sarmiento evaluates the patient’s teeth by utilizing cutting-edge technology with a three-dimensional CBCT scan, surgical microscopic magnification, and digital imaging to establish proper diagnosis and determine the tooth to be treated. Next, alternative anesthesia techniques are administered to ensure the patient is fully numb. Within 10 or 15 minutes, Dr. Sarmiento will discuss the patient’s prognosis, answer any questions, then proceed with the actual treatment on the same day.

“We make sure our patients are fully anesthetized, so the procedure is painless,” said Dr. Sarmiento. “Many people think that root canals are painful. What is really painful is not getting the root canal. But we make sure the patient is really comfortable. It’s what sets us apart.”

While Dr. Sarmiento concedes that many general dentists perform root canals, he stresses that choosing an endodontist is the best and safest choice.

“First of all, experience is a primary consideration,” he explained. “On average, endodontists perform nearly 25 root canal treatments a week, while general dentists perform less than two. With the complexity of a root canal and the variables of outcomes, it is always best to work with an endodontist who specializes and has the equipment that a general dentist doesn’t have. There will most likely always be a better outcome with a specialist.”

Beyond experience, efficiency is important. Because Dr. Sarmiento limits his practice solely to endodontic treatment, he can be efficient and precise, which equates to positive experiences and faster healing. As well, Dr. Sarmiento offers tremendous flexibility in accommodating emergency cases, so delays in treatment are kept to a minimum and patients can be relieved of their pain very quickly. At Sarmiento Microendodontics, patients benefit from the use of state-of-the-art technology, such as operating microscopes, digital imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation, and fiber optics to offer quick and comfortable treatment.

Dr. Sarmiento is committed to helping you save your teeth. Understanding your choices and their impact on your future dental health and lifestyle are of the utmost importance. Saving a natural tooth through endodontic treatment should always be the first choice for the best health and cosmetic results. The advantages to saving your natural tooth include efficient chewing, normal biting force in order to continue enjoy eating, maintaining a natural appearance, and limiting the need for more costly, ongoing dental work.

“If you are given a choice between a root canal or tooth extraction, always choose root canal treatment,” urged Dr. Sarmiento. “Dentistry has yet to produce a denture, bridge, or implant that looks, feels, and functions as well as a natural tooth, so if your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is an option.”

Dr. Sarmiento also encourages dental patients to request a referral to an endodontist if faced with an issue that threatens a tooth, and he additionally stresses that you should never choose extraction because you think it will be cheaper. When a natural tooth is extracted, it must be replaced with an artificial tooth to prevent other teeth from shifting, and to prevent future dental problems. The cost of a dental implant, plus the extraction with bone grafting, often is higher than the cost of an endodontic procedure that would save the tooth for years to come. Plus, most dental insurance plans cover
endodontic treatment.

Dr. Sarmiento’s patient reviews further tell the story. One patient said, “A root canal from my past experience was horrifically painful. I was dreading this visit. My dentist referred me to Dr. Sarmiento, and I am so happy she did. Right from the start I was welcomed warmly. They listened to my concerns and promised a pain-free and efficient procedure, and that is exactly what they delivered. Dr. Sarmiento talked me through every step of the way. I began to relax and at one point almost fell asleep. His numbing technique is superb. Even the initial shot did not hurt even though my molar was severely infected, and the area was very red and swollen. Dr. Sarmiento and staff were caring, professional, and efficient. I highly recommend this office.”

Another said, “I had to have a root canal and was promptly assisted and seen quickly. Dr. Sarmiento is the best! He’s a very experienced endodontist with state-of-the-art equipment to make the procedure painless. He took his time and covered every inch of the procedure. I live near The Woodlands, and it was worth the drive to Cypress.”

When it comes to your teeth, you deserve a superhero, and Dr. Sarmiento is just that.