Endodontics is the area of dentistry dealing with the tooth’s pulp and the surrounding tissues. Located inside the tooth, the pulp contains nerves, veins, arteries, and lymph tissue. An endodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the treatment and pain relief of pulp tissues that have become painfully inflamed or infected due to injury or disease.

In addition to providing pain relief, endodontic therapy aims to save the natural tooth whenever possible. By preserving the tooth, endodontic treatment can prevent the problems that extraction (removing the tooth) can cause to adjacent teeth. This will help you better maintain your dental health and can save you money in the long run.

A root canal is the most common procedure endodontists perform. It is the treatment of choice when the damage to the dental pulp is so extensive that the tooth is unable to repair itself and has become infected. During a root canal procedure, the pulp and nerves of the tooth are removed, as well as bacteria and any decay. The resulting cavity is sealed off with material that prevents bacteria from reentering the tooth. Endodontists can also treat root fractures, abscesses, and problematic tooth anatomy.

Reasons for endodontic therapy:

• Decay is affecting the tooth’s pulp
• An abscess or infection has developed at the root tip or inside the tooth
• Injury or trauma has caused the pulp to die, risking tooth infection.
• The tooth’s root is fractured.
• Problematic tooth anatomy is threatening the health of the tooth and/or adjacent teeth

Endodontic treatment generally takes one visit, and we will give you care instructions following your appointment. Your tooth may be sensitive for several days following treatment, but this will diminish as the tooth heals and the inflammation subsides. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will help preserve the life of your teeth following endodontic treatment.

Your endodontist’s skill and technique are critical for comfort and success during endodontic treatment. At Billerica Dental Associates our doctors are specialists, with years of experience performing endodontic therapy. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about endodontics or to schedule an oral health consultation with one of our doctors.