Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)
Endodontics, also known as root canal treatment, is the part of dentistry concerned with the pathology of dental pulp and the area surrounding the root. Twenty million root canals are performed in the U.S. annually, and this number is estimated to double within the next few years.
“Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth’s nerve lies within the root canal. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory (to provide the sensation of hot or cold). The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth. Thus, a root canal procedure allows a tooth that is painful or no longer viable due to nerve damage or death to remain in the mouth.
Endodontic Therapy no longer needs to be a frightening combination of words. Like everything else in the medical/dental fields, vast improvements in both materials and techniques have turned the unusual or difficult into a safe, simple, and predictable procedure.
Dr. Palmer and Dr. Ross complete nearly all endodontic procedures in one appointment instead of two (or more). We know your time is important and we try to do all we can to respect that time.
Painless, effective, and predictable results of endodontic therapy have allowed more teeth to be “saved.”
