Endodontics Dental Specialty

Dentists specialize in various concentrations including pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics and endodontics. Most people will have contact with one or more of these experts during their lifetime. In order for a person to be in good health, they must take good care of their entire body which includes oral health maintenance.

A pediatric dentist is one who specializes in the oral health of the younger set. This age group includes babies who have yet to grow an actual tooth to adolescents who are ready to sink their teeth into adulthood. Cosmetic experts are skilled in whitening, brightening and the capping of snaggletooth smiles.

Orthodontists are champions of chopper straightening. Endodontists are those that specialize in the tissue and pulp surrounding the roots of one’s teeth.
The pulp isn’t thought about much until there is a problem but it plays a crucial part in oral health. This is where the lymphatic and fibrous tissue is located along with nerves and tiny arteries. If the pulp becomes damaged or diseased, it may result in a lost tooth. Some of the treatments an endodontist may perform include:

- Root Canal: A root canal is a procedure performed to save a tooth if it has become damaged. A crack or break is a pathway for future bacteria to invade the region, causing infection and pain. During a root canal, the pulp is removed by drilling it out and replacing it with a filler. The tooth is then covered by a crown.

- Crown: A crown is a porcelain cap molded to look and feel like the original tooth. After a root canal, a temporary covering will be placed until the porcelain cap has been manufactured by a dental laboratory. The time that elapses between the pulp removal and crown application will allow the inner workings to settle down into a healed state. The cavity is sometimes treated with a product such as clove oil in order to help the nerve spasms ease. Antibiotics may be administered, as well, should an infection be suspected or already in play.

- Cracked teeth: This is another oral health issue that needs to be addressed. There are various reasons for cracks as well as remedies. Sometimes the tooth has been weakened for one reason or another, such as softening of bones, side effects from medication, illness or poor nutrition. Weaknesses in enamel are prime targets for cracks and breakage. Other times, strong and healthy enamel may be cracked by eating something hard, such as ice, a nut shell or meat bone. Sometimes the breakage occurs above the gum line while other times it will occur below it. An endodontist will treat this malady with a root canal, crown or some other type of stabilization procedure.

- Dental Trauma: There are a myriad of injuries that may result in trauma to the mouth region, including accidents or assaults. An endodontist would be the specialist to see in the case of oral accident or injury.

Endodontics is the dental practice dealing with the above oral maladies and more. If a patient needs a root canal, crown, or has experienced a crack or trauma in the region, they should make an appointment to see this expert.