Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and conditions related to the dental pulp and root canal system of the teeth. The dental pulp is the soft inner part of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. It extends into the root canals, hollow passages within the tooth roots. The pulp and root canal system can become infected or damaged due to tooth decay, trauma, cracks, or other factors.
At Sun-Park Dental, root canal treatment is the most common procedure our endodontists perform. It involves removing the infected or damaged dental pulp and cleaning and shaping the root canals. The canals are then filled with biocompatible gutta-percha material and sealed to prevent further infection.
Types of Endodontic Procedures
Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment is performed when a previously treated tooth experiences a recurrent infection or fails to heal properly. It involves reopening the tooth, removing the existing filling material, cleaning the canals, and resealing them. This further cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system promotes healing.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy partially removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue, usually in primary teeth. It is performed when the decay or infection is limited to the crown portion of the tooth. After removing the affected pulp, the remaining healthy pulp tissue is medicated and covered with a dental restoration to protect the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment
The most common endodontic procedure is root canal treatment or endodontic therapy. It involves removing the infected or damaged dental pulp from the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them with a biocompatible material. This procedure aims to save the natural tooth and relieve pain or discomfort caused by infection or inflammation.
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy, a root-end resection, is a surgical endodontic procedure performed when infection or inflammation persists after root canal treatment. It involves removing the infected tip of the tooth root and sealing the root end with a filling material. This procedure is usually performed when conventional root canal treatment has been found to be insufficient to address the problem.
The Benefits of Endodontics
Preservation of Natural Teeth
The primary goal of endodontic treatment is to save the natural tooth. Endodontics can effectively treat and preserve the tooth that would otherwise require extraction by removing the infected or damaged dental pulp and thoroughly cleaning and sealing the root canals.
Relief from Pain and Discomfort
Dental pulp infections and inflammation can cause severe toothaches and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Endodontic treatments eliminate the source of pain by removing the infected pulp and addressing the underlying cause. Once the treatment is complete, patients often experience relief from pain and discomfort.
Endodontic treatment can save natural teeth and relieve dental pain, helping patients maintain oral health and avoid tooth extraction. If you are experiencing tooth pain or have concerns about the health of your dental pulp or root canal system, visit Dentist Rocklin, CA at Sun-Park Dental at 5400 Park Dr Suite 100, Rocklin, CA 95765, or call (916) 435-1155 to schedule an appointment.