One of the nine recognized branches of dentistry is endodontics. The term endodontics may not be commonly heard among patients, but you are probably very familiar with at least one of its main procedures — the root canal. But there’s more to this dental specialty than this and the root canal is actually not nearly as bad as people have made it out to be.
If you want to learn more about how endodontics can help you keep your smile beautiful, visit Stellar Dental at Silver Spring or Hyattsville, MD. Stellar Dental now offers endodontic procedures and treatments to solve your dental problems.
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that is concerned with the study of the dental pulp as well as the diagnosis, cause, prevention and treatment of the diseases and problems in the dental pulp. The term comes from the Greek word endo meaning “inside” and odont which means “tooth”. Taken literally, it means “inside the tooth” because it is concerned with the dental pulp that is found inside or at the center of the tooth.
If you’re looking for trusted endodontic services and procedures, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Stellar Dental offers endodontics in Hyattsville and Silver Spring, Maryland. Visit Stellar Dental today and ask about our endodontic services, performed only by Dr. Allen Gotora.
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist that has specialized in the study of the dental pulp and nerves of the teeth. Endodontists undergo 2-3 years of postgraduate studies to master their field. Because of their specialized training, they’re more qualified and skilled to perform endodontic procedures and treatments as compared to general dentists.
What is dental pulp?
Dental pulp refers to the loose connective tissue located at the center of the tooth. The dental pulp contains the nerves, blood vessels, lymphatic and fibrous tissue inside the tooth. It extends to the roots of the tooth and into the root canal where the blood vessels and nerves enter and exit from the tooth. The pulp is important because it helps protect the tooth, it supplies moisture and nutrients to the surrounding area, but one of its primary functions is to form the dentin of the tooth.
Aside from housing the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth, the dental pulp also acts as its the alarm system. The pulp becomes sensitive when it detects problems in the tooth or when the dentin becomes exposed. The closer that the infection comes to the pulp, the more sensitive will the pulp become especially to hot and cold drinks, signaling the brain that there is something wrong with the tooth and it needs to be treated as soon as possible.
What are the complications that may happen in the dental pulp?
The most common complication that may happen in the dental pulp is inflammation and infection. Infection in the dental pulp is referred to as pulpitis. Pulpitis is usually caused by a deep cavity (or dental caries) that has progressed deeply into the dentin or trauma which caused damage to the pulp. It can also be caused by extensive dental repairs that may have weakened the tooth overtime, making it more prone to infection.
Pulpitis is painful and can lead to very serious complications like the death of the pulp. If it is still reversible, it can be saved by simpler procedures like a dental filling. But if it is already irreversible, endodontic treatment like root canal therapy and even endodontic surgery may be necessary.
If the infected dental pulp is left untreated, it can either lead to the death of the pulp or it can turn into dental abscess. Dental abscess in turn can lead to more severe problems like bone loss in the jaw. So, if you have problems or issues with your dental pulp, don’t wait until it’s too late. Visit Stellar Dental as soon as possible so that Dr. Gotora can take care of your dental pulp problems.
What are the endodontics services offered at Stellar Dental?
Endodontic treatment will not only save your decayed or damaged teeth, it will also help maintain your natural smile. At the same time, it will also let you enjoy the activities that you would normally with your teeth with limited need for any dental work in the future.
To help preserve your smile, Stellar Dental offers root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) and retreatment at Hyattsville and Silver Spring, Maryland.
Root canal therapy is a procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth. Once the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, it is then filled and sealed with a dental filling. Modern techniques and tools means that root canal therapy has a high success rate. In some cases, a root canal may be missed, or have an awkward configuration that makes removing all the decayed matter and disinfecting difficult. So reinfection may occur, requiring retreatment.
Stellar Dental offers endodontics services at Hyattsville and Silver Spring, Maryland
If you’re wondering if you’re eligible for endodontic treatment or if you want to learn more about endodontics, visit Stellar Dental. Our team of dental care experts is waiting to help you with your endodontic problems. Call us today at at (301) 754-1900 (Silver Spring branch) or at (301) 853-1567 (Hyattsville branch) book your appointment!
