Endodontics

Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, and Citrus Heights, California

Pulp specialists, or endodontists, are specially trained dentists in the area of root canal therapy. "Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is Greek for "tooth." Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.

This particular branch of dentistry deals with anything and everything concerning the human dental pulp—the soft tissue area between your tooth’s outer enamel and your middle layer of tooth called the dentin. Your pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.

An endodontist will also focus on the periradicular tissue, or the area immediately outside the root of your tooth. These specialists work toward the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries to the pulp, along with conditions affecting the periradicular area.

Advanced training

To become specialists, they complete dental school and another two years of advanced training in endodontics. They can perform routine, difficult and very complex endodontic surgery.

When endodontic therapy is needed

If your pulp becomes inflamed or infected, endodontic therapy is needed. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes such as:

• Deep tooth decay
• Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
• A crack or chip in the tooth
• A blow to the tooth

If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause severe pain or lead to an abscess.

Symptoms

Signs that you may have pulp damage include:

• Pain
• Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
• Tooth discoloration
• Swelling and tenderness in the adjacent gums

Pulp infections can be tricky, because sometimes there are no symptoms.

To fix the problem

If your pulp is damaged, you will probably need a root canal. During this procedure, the endodontist will remove your inflamed or infected pulp and carefully clean and shape the inside of your tooth, before sealing and filling the space. In another visit, a crown or other restoration will be secured on your tooth to protect it, and restore its function. Once this is completed, your tooth will continue to function like your other teeth.

Your tooth will likely feel a bit different from your other teeth, but you will get used to it. You should not experience any pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days.

If you live in the Roseville, California area and believe you have a pulp infection, please contact Dr. Miller today for a consultation.