Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)
Endodontics is a subcategory of dentistry and the word "endodontic" comes from two Greek words meaning "inside" and "tooth". Accordingly, this specialty deals with dental pulp, the soft living tissue within the tooth.
When dental pulp becomes infected and the tooth root is diseased or damaged due to trauma, endodontic treatment can save the tooth. The most common endodontic treatment is root canal therapy, an often misunderstood procedure that saves teeth and prevents jaw infection.
If you are experiencing intense tooth pain, set an appointment with an endodontist as soon as possible. Endodontists are experts at diagnosing and relieving oral and facial pain, and are dental specialists who have advanced education that qualifies them to handle any kind of endodontic procedure. Although endodontics is a complex field, its goal is simple - to provide you with the best dental health and most inviting smile possible.
Root Canal Treatment
The root canal is the hollow area at the center of a tooth that contains soft tissue known as pulp. This hollow chamber is connected to the root of the tooth through thin hollow canals. The canals run through the center of the roots like lead goes through the center of a pencil.
Occasionally, a cavity on the outside of the tooth causes the soft pulp to become infected. This infection is very painful in most cases, and if it is left untreated a serious jaw infection can result. Root canal treatment cuts into the pulp chamber and removes the infected pulp by scraping it out of the root canals. When this is finished, the dentist fills the cavity with material and seals the opening.
Don't let exaggerated stories deter you from seeing your dentist! Root canal treatment is usually painless thanks to effective pain control techniques used during and after the operation. You can eliminate unnecessary pain and agony by simply calling your dentist today.
Dental Pulp
Human teeth are not completely solid. In the inner space of every tooth there is a hollow chamber which contains the tooth's dental pulp. The pulp of the tooth is its soft living center tissue. This tissue is essential the tooth's nerve and contains nerve fibers, arteries, veins, and lymph vessels.
Dental pulp plays an important role in the growth and development of the tooth during one's early years. However, once the adult teeth have penetrated the gums and finished maturing the only function of dental pulp is sensory. The pulp allows the tooth to feel hot and cold sensations. Although dental pulp may not seem to serve an essential function, it can cause great amount of pain when infected, often leading to procedures such as root canal treatment.
It is essential to keep your teeth in good health. If you haven't seen your dentist recently, contact him or her to set up an appointment today. Slight afflictions like cavities lead to the infection of dental pulp and larger inconveniences. It is in your best interest to maintain good oral health by visiting a dentist regularly.