How Endodontics Can Improve Your Oral Health

If you have never heard of endodontics before, you are not alone. Endodontics deals with the internal part of the tooth — the pulp. Each of your teeth has several layers. When something damages the pulp of your tooth, you may need endodontic surgery to correct it. Here are a few ways that endodontics can improve your oral health.

Endodontics studies and protects the pulp

The pulp of a tooth is the only part of the tooth that is actually alive. It has blood vessels and nerves and supplies the tooth with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and intact. The pulp forms dentin, and dentin gives the tooth its color. Sometimes, the outer part of the tooth can deteriorate because of bacteria. This can expose the pulp to bacterial infection, causing pain and decay.

Tooth decay and endodontics

The most common endodontic procedure is the root canal. During a root canal, the dentist removes diseased tissue from a cavity. After removing the infected tissue, the dentist cleans and disinfects the area. Then the dentist will seal the cavity with a filling or a crown to prevent infection from reentering the area. Dentists perform root canals to protect the long-term health of the tooth and also to prevent infection from spreading to the gums or other teeth.

Other endodontic procedures

Endodontics may also involve working with the root of a tooth. Sometimes, a root can fracture below the gum surface. The dentist may also need to reshape or seal off an infected root. Sometimes, root canals do not get all of the infected tissue, and another root canal is not possible. Endodontic surgery may attempt to save the tooth when a root canal fails. Other procedures like pulp capping and apexification can prevent the need for a root canal.

How endodontics differs from regular dentistry

While regular dentists often perform many endodontic procedures, endodontics is a specialty within dentistry. Dentists who focus on endodontics often receive two to three more years of education and training. Endodontics uses small microscopes and specialized tools to work with the very small area within each tooth. Endodontic training focuses on removing as little of the healthy tooth structure as possible.

The goal of endodontics

The goal of endodontic procedures is to preserve the health of the natural tooth. Many dentists prefer to help patients keep natural teeth whenever possible. The internal part of each tooth is alive and connected to the body. Endodontics works to improve the health of the tooth and prevent infection from impacting the patient’s oral health. Keeping natural teeth promotes healthy bone structure in the mouth and preserves the patient’s smile.

Endodontics cares for your oral health

Your dentist uses endodontics to preserve your natural teeth and to protect your oral health. Endodontic procedures can improve your oral health by correcting existing problems. Your dentist uses these procedures to remove infection and improve your quality of life. Your oral health matters and can affect your overall health. See your dentist for an evaluation to determine if endodontics can help you.

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