Endodontics (Root Canal)

An endodontist is a specialist in root canal treatment. Endodontics or root canal treatment is a means of saving a tooth that has been damaged by deep decay, breakage, or infection. Unless treated the problem may increase and symptoms such as pain and swelling can occur as the nerves and blood vessels become progressively more damaged and eventually the pulp space becomes completely infected with bacteria.

An inflammatory response to the bacteria occurs resulting in damage to the bone around the root. Once this problem occurs there are only two ways to resolve it, either extract the tooth or carry out root canal treatment or Endodontic therapy. Antibiotics cannot resolve the problem as there is no longer a blood supply entering the pulp space to reach the bacteria and deliver the antibiotic.

The purpose of treatment is to restore the tooth to good health so that it can function properly inside your mouth. Endodontic treatment removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. This tissue, called the pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels that help nourish the tooth. After the pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed.