How Endodontics Can Save a Tooth

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the detection and treatment of issues that affect the tooth's pulp. It includes performing treatments that allow dentists to save infected or severely damaged teeth. Endodontics is often the last line of defense for addressing such problems before the dentist is forced to extract the tooth.

Saving teeth with endodontics

There are various reasons why a person might end up needing endodontics. Untreated tooth decay is one of the most common reasons people need such treatments, but it can also be caused by damage due to trauma from a blow to the face.

Every tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that help deliver nutrients during its developing stages. These soft tissues are housed in the innermost layer of the tooth called its pulp chamber. The pulp chamber is sealed off from the rest of the tooth, preventing bacteria, acids, and food particles from reaching the soft tissues in the pulp chamber.

These soft tissues can end up losing their natural protection for several reasons, like decay being allowed to progress to the point it opens up the pulp chamber or severe damage causing a break in the seal.

Once a tooth’s pulp chamber has been compromised, its risk of becoming infected goes up significantly. People with opened-up pulp chambers often experience severe toothaches, as irritants like acids and bacteria make contact with the soft tissues housed there.

Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic treatment performed to save teeth with damaged pulp chambers.

How root canal therapy works

Also known as endodontic therapy, root canal therapy can be used to prevent or treat infected teeth. The treatment is typically recommended to patients with compromised pulp chambers.

Many people seem to view the procedure as one of the most painful experiences one could have at the dentist, but that simply is not true. Local anesthetics are administered during a root canal, so patients should not feel pain.

The process typically starts with the dentist evaluating the patient to determine if the tooth is infected and how far any infection has spread. If the infection is already too severe, the dentist might recommend extracting the tooth instead.

The procedure starts with the dental professional injecting the patient with a local anesthetic. A drill is then used to make a hole into the pulp chamber. Tools are used to extract the soft tissues in the pulp chamber, and medication is applied to the area. The dental professional then seals off the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Teeth treated with root canals are often covered with crowns to protect them from further damage or are rebuilt with composite bonding.

Save your tooth with endodontic treatments

Endodontic treatments often allow you to avoid having to extract a tooth. Dealing with an infected or severely broken tooth? Contact our Miami dental office to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.

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