Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the parts of your teeth you can't see, including the central pulp portion and roots of your teeth. At Blue Palm Dentistry in Wilton Manors, Florida, Davide Gottardi, DMD, uses state-of-the-art endodontic techniques like advanced root canal treatment to relieve your painful symptoms and prevent serious oral health problems.
Endodontics Q & A
What is endodontics?
Deep inside the white enamel of your outer tooth are tiny canals containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. This inner area is called the pulp, and when the pulp becomes infected, you can experience pain and even tooth loss.
Endodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of the pulp inside your teeth.
Why would I need endodontic care?
You might not be aware that you have a problem with the inner structures of your teeth. These deep-rooted problems can negatively impact your oral health. You might need to seek endodontic care if you experience symptoms, such as:
- Sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks
- Swelling in the soft tissue around certain teeth
- Pain in your teeth when applying pressure or while chewing
- Severe discoloration that doesn't respond to traditional methods of teeth whitening
A tooth with a prior root canal or a cracked tooth can become painful and warrant endodontic care.
What dental treatments fall under endodontic care?
Endodontic care encompasses several treatments. Some patients can benefit from an endodontic procedure called an apicoectomy, which involves removing infected root tips and surrounding tissue. Endodontic care focuses on saving your natural teeth whenever possible.
A root canal is another endodontic procedure that involves removing the infected pulp and replacing it with a biocompatible material to preserve your outer tooth structure. In some cases, a root canal requires retreatment, such as when the first root canal fails or when new oral health problems develop over time.
The Blue Palm Dentistry team can effectively manage a wide range of complex oral problems. The team creates customized treatment plans and can help you determine the proper treatment to resolve your dental concerns.
Can endodontics help a cracked tooth?
You might have pain while chewing, tooth sensitivity to cold or hot items, and pain when biting down on your tooth if you have a cracked tooth or problems with the pulp.
A cracked tooth can become painful due to the micro-movements of the tooth pieces that happen when you chew. These micro-movements irritate your tooth pulp, and bacteria can enter through the cracks and infect the pulp. When an infection develops, you might experience more frequent and consistent tooth pain.
If you suspect you have an endodontic issue, visit Blue Palm Dentistry for prompt, expert treatment. The team is skilled in evaluating and resolving a range of endodontic problems to reduce your pain and prevent oral health complications.