Posted on 3/6/2023 by Widner Elite Oral Surgery and Dental Implants
The term 'endodontics' combines two Greek words, 'endo' - meaning inside, and 'odons' - meaning tooth. When fused in one term - endodontic, these words are referred to as the study of the inner part of the tooth, which is also known as 'dental pulp.' It's a unique dentistry branch that endodontic specialists familiarize themselves with for treating the damaged tooth pulp and tissues that reside within the root.
How Does the Dental Pulp Gets Damaged?
To understand how your dental pulp gets damaged, you need to understand its placement. Dental pulp, the innermost part of the tooth, is protected by enamel (the outermost part of the tooth) and dentin (which lies underneath the enamel). The enamel and dentin hard casing prevents the microbes residing inside your mouth from infecting the pulp.
However, in case of tooth decay, this outer shield erodes and forms cavities, exposing the dental pulp to the detrimental microbes. Moreover, since the pulp is composed of nerves and blood vessels, it gradually gets infected, leading to severe tooth pain and sensitivity.
Common Procedures Endodontic Specialists Use for Dental Pulp Treatment
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Root Canal Treatment - This is the most common procedure for treating any moderate to severe cases of tooth decay. Endodontic specialists open the infected tooth to get access to the root canal. Then the infected tooth is removed and filled with a temporary filling. Once healed, the temporary filling is replaced with a permanent one, and the tooth is sealed to prevent any recurrence of infection.
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ApicoectomyPeriradicular Surgery - It’s a simple surgical process to remove the apex of the tooth’s root, replacing it with a root-ending filling.
Assessing the extent of pulp damage can get quite challenging without any professional help. At Widner Elite Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, Dr. Steve Widner examine your teeth and gums while utilizing years of knowledge and expertise to suggest the most appropriate treatment you would require. To schedule an appointment, you can call us at (737) 309-4351 today!
For Patients • Oral Surgeon Austin • Dr. J. Steve Widner At Widner Elite Oral Surgery, we suggest our newer patients properly prepare for their first appointment. Learn more here, about our information for patients! Widner Elite Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, 1500 W 38th St, #51, Austin, Tx 78731; (737) 309-4351; widneroms.com; 6/1/2023; Page Phrases: oral surgeon Austin;