What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is the specialty of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. The pulp, which contains nerves; arterioles and venules as well as lymphatic tissue and fibrous tissue, can become diseased or injured and thus is unable to repair itself. The pulp then dies and endodontic or root canal treatment is required. General dentists may provide root canal therapy or they may refer difficult treatment cases to an endodontist for specialty care.
Some of the procedures used in endodontics include:
- Root canal treatment – This is one of the most common procedures for treating the dental pulp in moderate-to-severe cases of tooth decay. The infected tooth is opened up at the crown to provide access to the root canal within. All infected material is removed and once the tooth is clean, the root canal is enlarged so that it can be filled with a temporary dental filling. Once the tooth has healed, this temporary filling is removed, replaced with the permanent filling and the tooth sealed to prevent a recurrence of infection. A crown may be placed over the tooth to protect the filled tooth from damage.
- Endodontic retreatment surgery involving removal of the protective crown and the filling inside so that a tooth that did not heal properly or has developed new problems can be retreated and refilled.
- Treating injuries or cracks in the teeth that involve the dental pulp.
If you have been away from the dentist and feel you might need a root canal, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Covington or Dr. DuRant to discuss your goals and learn more about restorative dental care. Our office is located on Lady’s Island and serves patients and families from Beaufort and many local communities. Contact us at (843) 986-0177 or request an appointment online.
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