endodontics (root canals) deal with the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. (we know it can get confusing. essentially, it’s what happens inside teeth.)
find an office near you and be sure to ask about their endodontic services.
endodontics at Comfort Dental
Endodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing and treating issues within the soft tissue inside your teeth (the dental pulp). At Comfort Dental, our providers use modern tools and compassionate care to treat complex internal tooth problems while helping patients preserve their natural teeth whenever possible. Whether you’re suffering from tooth pain or have been told you may need a root canal, our experienced team is here to guide you through your options and get you out of discomfort quickly.
what is endodontics?
The most common endodontic procedure is a root canal, but it covers more than that, with treatments that manage dental trauma, remove of the tip of the tooth root (apicoectomies), and treat abscesses or resorptive conditions.
The pulp chamber, found deep inside the tooth, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this area is compromised — whether by a deep cavity, crack, or injury — it can cause intense pain and lead to an infection that spreads beyond the tooth itself. Endodontics allows us to clean out the infected pulp, seal the area, and often restore the tooth with a crown, saving it from extraction.
signs you may need endodontic treatment
Recognizing symptoms early can help you seek treatment before a more serious complication arises. Some common warning signs that may require endodontic care include:
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the source is removed
- Sharp, throbbing, or spontaneous pain in a specific tooth
- Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
- Discoloration or darkening of a tooth
- A small pimple-like bump on the gums near a tooth root
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain and potentially the loss of the tooth.
root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is the most well-known procedure within endodontics. While it may have a reputation for being uncomfortable, modern techniques have made root canals comparable to getting a routine filling. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inner canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent future infection. A crown is often placed afterward to restore strength and function.
Root canals are typically performed in one or two visits and are highly successful in relieving pain and saving the natural tooth. Most patients return to normal activity the next day with minimal discomfort.
other endodontic procedures
While root canal therapy is the most common, endodontics encompasses a range of treatments tailored to more specific problems. These include:
- Apicoectomy: A surgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth root when infection persists after a root canal.
- Endodontic retreatment: Sometimes, a root canal-treated tooth may not heal properly or become reinfected. Retreatment can resolve the issue.
- Pulpotomy: Common in pediatric patients, this procedure involves removing part of the pulp in a baby tooth to relieve pain or stop the spread of decay.
- Trauma treatment: Teeth that have been injured due to accidents or sports may need endodontic evaluation and treatment to preserve their long-term health.
the benefits of endodontic care
Choosing endodontics over extraction has many advantages. Saving your natural teeth helps you maintain your normal bite, prevents shifting of neighboring teeth, and preserves jawbone density. Replacing a lost tooth can be costly and time-consuming, whereas endodontic therapy offers a predictable, often simpler solution. Other benefits include:
- Pain relief and resolution of infection
- Preservation of natural tooth appearance and function
- High success rate with long-term results
- Less invasive than some surgical alternatives
what to expect after treatment
After an endodontic procedure, it’s normal to experience some tenderness for a few days. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. You should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been restored with a permanent filling or crown. Most patients report that the pain they were experiencing prior to the procedure is significantly relieved within a short time.
Proper follow-up care, good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining your treated tooth for years to come. In most cases, a successful root canal can allow a tooth to function normally for a lifetime.
when to visit Comfort Dental
If you’re experiencing dental pain or have been told you may need a root canal, our team is here to help. At Comfort Dental, we’re committed to making endodontic care as comfortable and accessible as possible. Our providers will thoroughly examine your tooth, take X-rays, and help you understand your options.
take the first step toward relief
Your comfort and dental health are our priorities. Endodontics can restore your smile, relieve pain, and help you avoid unnecessary tooth loss. If you think you may need a root canal or have questions about any of our services, contact your nearest Comfort Dental office to schedule an appointment today. Let us help you preserve your natural smile — comfortably and confidently.