What is Endodontics?

Mark Tingey-10The term “endodontics” literally means “inside the tooth.” As you might imagine, endodontics focus on treatment of what’s inside the structure of your teeth – namely the dental pulp. Your tooth’s pulp is the soft material that resides under the white enamel and hard dentin of the tooth. Pulp is made up of a comprehensive network of nerves, arterioles, venules and lymphatic and fibrous tissue. When that tissue is damaged, diseased or otherwise harmed, you’ll be left with quite a toothache – not to mention that you’ll also be in jeopardy of losing the affected teeth.

An endodontist can help repair diseased and damaged pulp and roots by performing a number of endodontic treatment therapies, including root canal therapy. A root canal therapy simply replaces infected tooth pulp with harmless material to help prevent further damage to your tooth – while relieving your pain. Don’t worry; once a tooth is fully formed, it can survive without its original pulp because the surrounding tissues offer constant nourishment. After an effective root canal treatment, you’ll be able to use your tooth as you normally would – but you’ll be pain free!

There’s more to endodontics than root canals, though. Endodontists can also perform surgical procedures to help save your teeth. One common treatment, called an apicoectomy or root-end resection may be required when there is inflammation or infection that persists in the bony area of the tooth after a traditional endodontic treatment.

Why do I Need an Endodontist?

Unlike most family dentists, an endodontist has extensive education and training in the treatment of teeth pulp and root issues. Because an endodontic practice focuses solely on endodontic treatments, they are usually much more efficient and precise than a general dentist. Additionally, most endodontic practices use state-of-the-art tools and technologies to perform endodontic procedures, to which a general dentist may not have access or training.

If you’re ready to preserve your healthy smile while relieving pain, give us a call today.