Endodontics

What is Endodontic Treatment?

Endodontic treatment targets the "endodontium"—that is, the tissues inside the tooth. This care is necessary when the pulp, the soft inner part of the tooth, becomes inflamed or infected, often due to bacterial accumulation.  

Without treatment, infection can spread, causing pain, abscesses, or tooth loss. With today’s advancements in endodontics, though, treating your endodontic infection has become easier, faster, and, more importantly, pain-free!  

Signs You May Need Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic issues can sometimes be silent, but these symptoms commonly indicate an issue that might require treatment:

• Persistent tooth pain, often described as throbbing or sharp
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers even after the temperature is removed
• Swelling or tenderness around the gums near the affected tooth
• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
• An abscess or a recurring pimple on the gums

If you notice any of these signs, contact us right away for an evaluation.

Key Procedures in Endodontics

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic procedure. It is often needed when decay, infection, or trauma affects the pulp. This treatment involves removing infected tissue, disinfecting the inner tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection.  

After the procedure, a dental crown is typically placed to provide strength and durability for the treated tooth.  

How Root Canal Therapy Works:

• Numbing: The area around the tooth is numbed to ensure comfort.
• Access: An opening is made to access the pulp chamber.
• Cleaning: Infected tissue is removed, and the inner tooth is cleaned and disinfected.
• Sealing: The root canals are filled with a durable material (usually gutta-percha) and sealed.
• Restoration: A crown is placed to reinforce and protect the tooth.

Endodontic Retreatment

Sometimes, a tooth that has already undergone root canal therapy may become reinfected. Endodontic retreatment involves removing the previous filling material, re-cleaning the canals, and refilling the tooth. Retreatment is often a preferred option if a previous root canal fails.

Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)

In some cases, infection persists at the tip of the tooth’s root, and a minor surgical procedure, called an apicoectomy, is needed. During this procedure, the endodontist removes the root tip along with the infected tissue and seals the root end to prevent further infection. This can help save a tooth that might otherwise require extraction.

Pulp Capping

If a cavity or trauma reaches close to the pulp but has not fully infected it, a pulp cap may be applied. This treatment covers the exposed area to protect the pulp, helping the tooth to heal and preventing the need for more extensive treatment.

Cracked Tooth Repair

Cracked teeth may or may not require endodontic treatment, depending on the severity and location of the crack. When cracks extend into the pulp or root, endodontic care, such as a root canal, can often save the tooth.

Benefits of Endodontic Care

Endodontic treatments, such as root canal therapy, have a negative image, often associated with pain. However, when a tooth is infected, endodontics can provide several benefits, such as:

• Pain Relief: Endodontic procedures can effectively relieve pain caused by infection or injury.
• Preserving Natural Teeth: Saving your natural tooth through endodontic care maintains its function, prevents shifting of surrounding teeth, and avoids the need for implants or dentures.
• Preventing Future Issues: Properly treated teeth can last a lifetime with good dental care, avoiding further infections or the need for extraction.