Endodontic Treatment
Endodontics is the study and treatment of the dental pulp. The pulp is the center of a tooth that consists of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. It plays an important role in tooth nourishment and sensory recognition. If you're experiencing dental pain or sensitivity to temperature, the cause of these issues may be found in the dental pulp. Learn more about how our endodontists can provide relief for pain and sensitivity by scheduling an appointment today.
Problems Addressed by Endodontics
Even though the dental pulp is located inside the tooth, it’s still susceptible to disease and infection. And because it’s made up of sensitive nerves, infected or inflamed pulp can become very painful. Discomfort in the dental pump can be triggered by:
- Severe tooth decay
- Faulty crowns
- Hairline cracks
- Repeated dental procedures
These issues not only cause pain, but can also jeopardize the integrity of the tooth itself. Fortunately, an endodontist is often able to save a tooth by performing endodontic therapy.
Types of Treatment
Endodontic treatment varies from one patient to the next based on the type of tooth damage and the extent of the problem. One of the most common treatment methods is called root canal therapy, which is used to help relieve an infection within the tooth. During this procedure, the endodontist enters the center of the tooth to clean and disinfect the canals. Then, the canals are shaped and filled before topping the tooth off with a filling or crown. Thanks to advanced technologies, such as operating microscopes and cone beam CT scanning, root canal therapy is one of the best ways to successfully resolve these problems.
However, if the first root canal therapy was unsuccessful, an endodontic specialist may be able to perform retreatment, giving the tooth another chance. Additionally, endodontic surgery may be a better option than root canal therapy in some cases. Some common surgical procedures include apicoectomies, root amputations, and hemi sections. Your endodontist will assess your specific needs to determine which procedures are necessary.
See a Specialist Today
When choosing an endodontist, it's essential to choose a specialist with extensive training and experience. If you're experiencing dental pain and/or sensitivity, contact our endodontists. Schedule an appointment today at our New Brunswick or Newark location to receive expert treatment and relief from dental discomfort.