Endodontics is a branch of dentistry focused on dental pulp.
Our main service as Endodontists is to save teeth where the pulp has been harmed, most often by performing root canal therapy.
Dental pulp is in the center of the tooth and is made up of living cells and connective tissue.The pulp supplies the rest of the teeth with moisture and nutrients, as well as providing sensory, protective, and formative functions. Severe decay and trauma causes the pulp to become sensitive, and can lead to inflammation and further decay.
COMMON REASONS TEETH NEED ROOT CANALS ARE:
- severe decay
- bacteria entering the nerve and blood supply in the tooth core
- stress caused by trauma or fracture
If you already have had a root canal that failed to heal the tooth, you may need a root canal retreatment. Retreatments can be necessary when:
- missed canal
- treatment that didn’t extend far enough to the root to eliminate infection
- tooth trauma
- previously undetected damage
- coronal leakage
Coronal leakage happens when bacteria invades a tooth under a loose fitting crown or filling.This allows decay and bacteria to spread and cause contamination in the filled root canal.
If you have complex curved canals or blockage, we may recommend an apicoectomy, also known as apical surgery. Learn more about this on our procedures page.