An Easy Guide to Endodontics: Learn What These Procedures Can Do for Your Teeth

Endodontics Explained

The word “endodontics” is a fusion of two Greek terms: “endo,” which means “inside,” and “odon,” which means “tooth.” Together, the word, and the specialization itself, revolves around studying and treating problems regarding the dental pulp and the interior of teeth.

What Does an Endodontist Do?

Our Board-Certified Endodontist in Wellesley is in charge of diagnosing and treating pain, impairment, and similar dental concerns related to the interior of the teeth or the “pulp.”

To help you better understand the tooth pulp, we have listed the main parts of the teeth below.

5 Main Parts of a Tooth

1. Enamel
The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Being that the enamel is composed of rock-hard minerals, it is the toughest part of the teeth.

2. Dentin
The dentin is located right where the enamel ends. It is known as the second layer of your teeth. Although this layer is considered hard tissue, the cold and the heat can travel to it when the enamel is weakened or cracked. This can cause toothaches and tooth sensitivity.

3. Pulp
Here is the part of a tooth that we will explore more as you read along. The pulp is a soft and “living” composition of a tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerve endings, and tissues.

4. Cementum
The cementum is comprised of connective tissues which “cement” or bind tooth roots to the gumline.

5. Periodontal Ligament
Periodontal ligaments are what anchor teeth to the jaw.

Endodontic Procedures

1. Root Canal Treatment and Therapy
Root canal treatment is among the most common endodontic procedures for patients suffering from severe tooth decay. We say “severe” because a root canal is necessary only if the decay has spread past the thick enamel layer.

The same treatment is put into action if tooth roots become inflamed or infected.

In a root canal procedure, your dentist will remove the pulp of the affected tooth. Secondly, the root canals are disinfected and reshaped. Finally, the space where the pulp originally was will be replaced with a filling.

2. Endodontic Surgery

If a root canal treatment no longer suffices for repairing your tooth, our Board-Certified Endodontist in Wellesley, MA, may suggest endodontic surgery. It is also possible that there have been issues or fractures previously unnoticed in your x-rays.

In this case, surgery is the next step to take, but do not let this scare you. Today’s innovations in dental technology allow operating with microscopes for precise surgical procedures. Additionally, local anesthesia will be injected in and around the affected pulp and root to ensure a painless procedure.

3. Endodontic Retreatment
The results of root canal treatments should last for a long time with the observance of proper oral hygiene. However, if healing doesn’t occur as it should, you may have to go through endodontic retreatment.

Improper healing is often accompanied by discomfort, which then escalates to intense pain. This may result from the following: delayed crown placement, salivary or bacterial contamination in the tooth, narrow canals that were not fully treated, new decay, new fractures, etc. All of these will entail endodontic retreatment.
However, the need for retreatment does not occur often. An experienced Endodontist can ensure that you have a smooth recovery from your root canal treatment.

4. Dental Implants
Severely damaged teeth, whether by an injury or by decay, may require replacement via dental implants. If a root canal treatment cannot save a patient’s tooth, an endodontic specialist may suggest dental implants instead.

Tooth extraction and dental implant procedures are regarded as the last resort. They are set as your final options only after all applicable endodontic procedures have been followed.

If you think you may need a root canal treatment or other endodontic treatments, give Wellesley Dental Arts a call to schedule an appointment today. Our Board-Certified Endodontist can diagnose your dental pulp and root condition to inform you of what endodontic procedures are needed to restore your oral health.