Endodontic Care
At Bethesda Endodontics, we are passionate about providing the finest endodontic care and patient service in a warm, friendly and comfortable office environment. State of the art technology, evidence based techniques and the most current knowledge are utilized to provide predictable results with long term success. Our ultimate goal is to meet or exceed your expectations.
What is a Root Canal?
“Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Root Canal treatment is one type of endodontic treatment.
To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. The pulp creates the surrounding dentin and enamel of the tooth during tooth growth and development.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots, where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature, it can survive without the pulp. The tooth will continue to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
How to know if you need a Root Canal?
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip on the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulpal inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
What are the signs of needing a Root Canal?
The following symptoms may mean you need a root canal—
• Severe pain while chewing or biting
• Pimples on the gums
• A chipped or cracked tooth
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
• Swollen or tender gums
• Deep decay or darkening of the gums
• Darkening of the tooth
Please view the following educational videos found in the links below:
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Retreatment
Cracked Tooth
Surgery
Office Technologies