What is Endodontics?

Nothing is as good as your natural teeth. Because nothing, not even the most advanced bridges and implants can completely replace the natural tooth. So it is important that all is done to protect them.

What is Endodontics and why is this important? Endodontics is one of the nine specialties of dentistry that is recognized by the American Dental Association. Endodontics deals with the tooth pulp, which is the part in the center of a tooth made up of living connective tissue and cells called odontoblasts. The “vitality” of the tooth is dependent on the pulpal tissue, which consists of nerve tissue, blood and lymphatic supply. If the pulpal tissue is damaged, an endodontic procedure, such as a root canal, may be needed to rectify the problem by removing the injured pulp (the soft inner tissue), filling it and sealing it. The tooth is then restored its function just like any other tooth.

Endodontists perform a variety of procedures including root canal therapy, endodontic re-treatment, surgery, treating cracked teeth, and treating dental trauma. Root canal therapy is one of the most common procedures. Endodontists can often save the most severely damaged teeth, but for those teeth that cannot be saved, there are replacements available such as bridges or dental implants. Since dental implants can be complex and take time to heal, the best thing to do is to take care of your teeth to save them from being extracted. After all, nothing is as good as natural teeth.



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