{"id":337,"date":"2015-09-16T20:35:40","date_gmt":"2015-09-16T20:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buzbee.darwd.com\/?page_id=337"},"modified":"2018-10-02T21:08:36","modified_gmt":"2018-10-02T21:08:36","slug":"endodontics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chesterfieldfamilydental.com\/endodontics\/","title":{"rendered":"Endodontics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Endodontics\"Root<\/h2>\n

More commonly known as a root canal, endodontics are a dental specialty of the study of and treatment of dental pulp. This sounds a bit confusing, but in reality, this is what goes into performing root canals. Root canal<\/a>s are used to repair and save teeth that are badly damaged or infected. This treatment prevents patients from needing their teeth pulled. This can save you from expensive restorative treatments and help you keep your natural teeth for the rest of your life! Learn more about endodontics and the role it plays with root canals at Chesterfield Family Dental<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is a Root Canal?<\/h2>\n

A root canal is a procedure that removes the decayed pulp from the central part of your tooth. After this is extracted, our dentist then reshapes the canal and fills it with a composite filling. In most cases, we place a dental crown over the tooth for added protection. This procedure will save your tooth from needing to be extracted.<\/p>\n

What is Dental Pulp?<\/h2>\n

Dental pulp is the soft area in the center of the tooth and it contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and the nerve. The root canal travels from the tip of the tooth root to the pulp chamber. Although the tooth\u2019s nerve does not play a large role in the in the health of the tooth, its only role is sensory, providing you the sensation of cold or heat. When you have a root canal, this is removed and you no longer will feel these sensations. This doesn\u2019t affect your life or the function of your tooth.<\/p>\n

When Does the Dental Pulp Need to Be Removed? AKA, When Do I Need a Root Canal?<\/h2>\n

When a cavity goes untreated, it can lead to an infected tooth. When the pulp is damaged, it begins to break down and cause the bacteria to multiply in the chamber. This infected chamber will cause either an abscessed or infected tooth. An abscess will form pus-filled pockets at the end of your tooth root. When an abscess or tooth infection occur you can also experience swelling in your face, neck or head. You can also suffer bone loss near the tip of your root. Lastly, it can cause drainage problems outside of the root. This can result in a hole in your tooth or drainage that leads into your gums or from the cheek into the skin.<\/p>\n

What Causes Pulp Damage?<\/h2>\n

There are a lot of factors that contribute to pulp damage. The first cause of pulp damage is from an infection from deep decay. This usually occurs from a cavity that is never treated. Next, it can be caused by multiple dental procedures on one tooth. This leads to large fillings that can cause problems. Pump damage can also be caused by a chip or crack in the tooth. Lastly, dental pulp damage can occur from trauma or damage to the face.<\/p>\n

Symptoms That You Need a Root Canal<\/h2>\n

Some of the most common signs you may need a root canal include:<\/p>\n