Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth pulp, which is the mass of connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels found in the center of the tooth and in canals inside the root of the tooth.

Root Canal

Root canal treatment may be needed if there is an infection or damage to the pulp that can not be treated any other way. The most common reason for a pulp infection is an untreated cavity, where the decay erodes the enamel and dentin of the tooth, allowing the bacteria to infect the pulp. Since antibiotics can not get to infections inside teeth, a root canal is needed. Another reason that a root canal is needed is when trauma or a fractured tooth damages the pulp. In such cases too, the tooth may need a root canal.

At Dr. Happy Smiles, our specialists perform all aspects of root canal therapy, retreatments and endodontic surgery. To determine if your tooth needs root canal, your dentist will place hot or cold substances against the tooth, or examine the tissues around the tooth, or gently tap on the tooth to test for symptoms. Sometimes, however, X-rays of the bone around the tooth are needed to determine if a root canal is needed.

Symptoms

If you notice any of the following symptoms, please consult with one of our endodontists for a detailed examination.

• Your tooth hurts when you bite down on it or touch it
• Your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold food
• There is swelling near your tooth
• Your tooth is discolored
• Your tooth is broken

You could even have an infection of the pulp without feeling any pain. If the infection is not treated, it could get worse and, in some cases, form an abscess. Our endodontists perform a variety of procedures including root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment and treating cracked teeth.