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What is Endodontics?
Endodontics deals with the diagnosis and treatment of problems inside the tooth, such as infections and inflammation of the dental pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, endodontic treatment is necessary to save the tooth.
Our endodontic services, including root canal therapy, are designed to alleviate pain and prevent the need for tooth extraction.
Benefits of Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment provides several key benefits, including:
- Pain Relief: Infected or inflamed pulp can cause significant pain and sensitivity. Endodontic treatment removes the infection, providing immediate relief from pain.
- Tooth Preservation: Saving your natural teeth is always the best option whenever possible. Endodontics allows you to keep your natural tooth, maintaining its function and appearance.
- Improved Oral Health: Treating infected teeth prevents the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth, supporting your overall dental health.
- Restored Function: After endodontic treatment, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
If left untreated, infected teeth may require tooth extractions, which can lead to additional procedures like dental implants or bridges.
Common Endodontic Procedures at Palmetto Family Dental
At Palmetto Family Dental, we offer a range of endodontic treatments designed to save teeth and restore dental health:
- Root Canal Therapy: The most common endodontic procedure, root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and sealing it with a filling or crown.
- Endodontic Retreatment: If a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy becomes reinfected, retreatment may be necessary to restore health to the tooth.
- Apicoectomy: This surgical procedure involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root to eliminate persistent infection and seal the root end.
- Treatment for Traumatic Injuries: Endodontics also addresses dental trauma, such as cracked or chipped teeth, to preserve the tooth and prevent further damage.
Our experienced doctors will thoroughly evaluate your condition using dental X-rays and other diagnostic tools to determine the most appropriate course of action.
The Endodontic Treatment Process
Receiving endodontic treatment at Palmetto Family Dental is a straightforward and comfortable process:
- Consultation and Diagnosis: During your initial consultation, we will assess your symptoms, conduct a comprehensive examination, and use diagnostic imaging to evaluate the condition of the affected tooth.
- Treatment Planning: Based on your diagnosis, we will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. We will discuss the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you feel comfortable with the process.
- Endodontic Procedure: The treatment will be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia if needed, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped, and the tooth is sealed.
- Restoration and Aftercare: After endodontic treatment, the tooth will be restored with a crown or filling to protect it and restore function. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and prevent future issues.
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are essential to maintaining your restored tooth and overall oral health.
Convenient Locations and Compassionate Care
Palmetto Family Dental is proud to serve the communities of Fayetteville, McDonough, Palmetto, and Zebulon. Our dedicated team provides expert care in a welcoming environment, ensuring you receive the highest level of service. Visit our locations page to find the office closest to you.