Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the internal structures of the teeth known as the dental pulps. Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry and the most common procedure relating to endodontics. When the pulp of a tooth becones inflamed or infected a tooth can become very painful or a more serious infection can develop in the surrounding areas. A root canal is the process of removing the diseased pulp, throughly cleaning the tooth and sealing it with a specialized filling material. The tooth will then need to be restored, most often with a crown to preserve it.
While the term "root canal" instills fear in some patients, the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology, local anesthetics and pain management allow the procedure to be performed with little to no discomfort in most cases. Over the counter pain medications are usually enough to relieve any pain afterwards, but we may prescribe a pain medication or antibiotic if needed. The root canal procedure will also relieve symptoms caused by the infection allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love without any pain from heat, cold, or biting too hard. If you are experiencing pain consult us today.