Endodontic dentistry or endodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the treatment of the inside of the tooth, including tooth enamel and nerve pulp. If tooth decay is not treated in time, it will spread deeper into the teeth causing the the tooth pulp tissue to die. This can lead to loss of the tooth. An injury or disease that affects the insides of a tooth is treated with the help of endodontic dentistry.
There are many procedures performed in endodontic dentistry; many of these procedures are performed to relieve pain in the teeth caused by inflammation and infection of the pulp. Given below are the three most commonly performed endodontic procedures.
A root canal is necessary when bacteria, fungi, or viruses infect the dental pulp that runs through the root canal system. If a root canal is not done to remove the infected tissue, the infection will spread and could result in abscesses (a painful pus-filled blister), extraction, infected bone or even septicemia that can affect the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.
Just because there’s no pain doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. The root canal infection process is progressive. It may start out as a small cavity or after filling placement where some infection was left behind after cleaning. The effect of the infection is cumulative and progressive. Your brain doesn’t even register that there is an infection until it’s progressed to a more advanced stage.
This is why regular checkups with Dr. Ben is important.
It is common for root canals to be used as the punch line of a joke usually to demonstrate how painful or tortuous the procedure is. Actually, with a properly skilled and trained dentist like Dr. Ben using modern anesthetics and techniques, root canals are virtually pain free.
With the implications of leaving an infected tooth root untreated and the virtually pain-free treatment option now available, don’t put off dental evaluation and treatment any longer. Call Dr. Ben today at (318) 869-2593 to book your assessment and root canal appointment.