Endodontic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that treats the inside of the tooth. The pulp, nerves, and roots of a tooth are protected by a strong outer layer called the enamel. When decay penetrates the enamel, the pulp can become infected.
Endodontics focuses on treating the dental pulp or the innermost layer of a tooth. The dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that are responsible for forming new tooth material. If an injury or accident causes the dental pulp to become diseased or inflamed, endodontic treatment may be necessary.
When Is Endodontic Treatment Needed?
The most common reasons for needing a root canal include:
- Deep decay
- Fractured tooth
- Traumatic injury
- Infection
- Receding gums
- Repeated dental procedures on a problematic tooth
During the endodontic treatment procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. Finally, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection.
Is Endodontic Treatment Painful?
A root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and involves removing the pulp, or nerve, from the inside of the tooth. The anesthesia makes the tooth numb, so you won't feel anything during the procedure. In addition, we use rotary endodontic instruments that rotate at high speeds, making the process more efficient.
What Are the Benefits of Endodontic Treatment?
There are several benefits to undergoing endodontic treatment. First, this dental treatment will effectively treat an infected tooth and save it from extraction. This will also help prevent further complications such as secondary infections.
The best part about this procedure is that it saves your natural tooth and prevents tooth loss which otherwise requires more expensive procedures to restore.
You can reach out to our dental practice at (972) 562-0197, visit us at 400 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX 75069, or book an appointment online for a consultation with our Dentist in McKinney TX.
