Dental Specialty Services: What is Endodontic Therapy?

15 Sep Dental Specialty Services: What is Endodontic Therapy?

Endodontic therapy is another name for root canal therapy. It involves treating infected tooth pulp by eliminating the infection and protecting the decontaminated tooth from future infections. Endodontic therapy is necessary because the pulp of cracked, decayed teeth is vulnerable to bacteria. When this happens, blood flow becomes restricted and the resulting pressure can cause intense pain. When our patients are facing painful toothaches and are in the need of endodontic therapy, the team at Prescott Dentistry works to provide a gentle, and comfortable experience.

Three purposes of Endodontic Therapy:

1. Stop the toothache

2. Prevent pain and bacteria from spreading into the jaw

3. Maintain the integrity of the original root and tooth to prevent tooth loss.

The step by step process of Endodontic Treatment:

1. The first step of Endodontic Treatment is a local anesthetic given by Dr. Thompson to provide a more comfortable experience.

2. We will use some form of isolation to keep your tooth clean and dry.

3. A small opening is made through the biting surface of the tooth to access the tooth “pulp” (soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves).

4. The infected tissue and/or bacteria are then removed carefully from the root canal(s).

5. Each root canal is gently cleaned and shaped to allow it to be filled. Natural antibacterials may be placed in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help eliminate bacteria.

6. You may also be prescribed antibiotics if there are signs of infection that has spread beyond the end of the root(s). The root canals(s) are then filled, usually with an inert, natural rubber-like material called gutta-parcha made from various tropical trees. This material is very bio-compatible and seldom causes any reaction.

7. In the final step, the tooth will be restored with a protective onlay or filling to reinforce it and improve its appearance.

Are you in the need of Endodontic Therapy in Prescott? Contact the compassionate, understanding staff at Prescott Dentistry today to schedule your dental specialty service.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/15/2016) Richard foster (Flickr)