Is a Root Canal Considered Endodontics? Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the dental pulp (the innermost part of the tooth) and the tissues surrounding the roots of a tooth. A root canal procedure is one of the most common treatments within this specialty, involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. If you need a root canal, come see us at Duggan Endodontics.Root CanalsWhile there are different kinds of treatments and procedures designed to save a damaged tooth, root canal therapy is a viable endodontic option if the pulp of the tooth is damaged or infected. Our dental team may consider filling a tooth if there is no severe damage. But when filling cannot work, root canal therapy can make a good alternative, particularly if infection or inflammation of the pulp has occurred. A damaged pulp can cause a lot of pain, but sometimes, when the nerves are destroyed, there may be no pain, but the infection could still be active. Our root canal specialists will thoroughly examine the teeth to see what treatment can work best to restore the tooth. Anatomy of a ToothTo help understand endodontic treatment, it makes sense to know a thing or two about the structure of a tooth. Inside a tooth, there is the soft tissue referred to as the pulp. It is found underneath the white enamel and the second layer known as the dentin. In the pulp, there is the presence of living nerves, and blood vessels in addition to connective tissues. The pulp spreads from the crown all the way to the end of the tooth roots. The pulp plays an important role during the growth and development of a tooth. But once a tooth maturely completely, it can live without the pulp since the tissues surrounding it continue to nourish it. When to Get Root Canal Therapy?After the soft tissue found inside the root canal is infected or inflamed, root canal therapy comes in handy to save the tooth. Damage to the pulp can occur if there is deep decay or a crack or chip in the tooth. Moreover, an injury can damage the pulp. Untreated pulp inflammation or infection causes a lot of pain and could contribute to an abscess that can be fatal. If you have swollen and tender gums, severe pain as you bite or chew, lingering sensitivity, or pimples within the gums, root canal therapy may be needed. Chipping or cracking of the tooth, or deep decay and darkening gums can also necessitate the procedure. How Root Canal Therapy Saves a ToothOur dentist will extract the inflamed or infected pulp tissue and thoroughly clean and shape the core of the root canal and then fill and seal the space. You will return for another visit where the dentist will place a crown to help protect your tooth and enhance its function. Once the restoration is complete, your tooth continues to function just like your other teeth. Most teeth saved with a root canal therapy can last just like other natural teeth. But there are times when the tooth that undergoes the therapy does not recover completely or the pain continues to occur months or even years following successful treatment. Although this is a rare incidence, if it happens, redoing the root canal therapy can still save the tooth. Learn more about root canal therapy and endodontics and how it has helped save the teeth of many people. Visit our team at Duggan Endodontics or contact us at (512)-380-0777 to request an appointment. |
