Endodontics

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is a dental specialty that diagnoses, treats, and prevents problems affecting the tooth pulp and surrounding tissues. Pulp is a soft, pliable substance that contains nerves and blood vessels. It helps your tooth grow and provides temperature sensations but isn’t necessary for long-term oral health.

If your tooth pulp becomes infected, damaged, or inflamed, endodontic treatment can prevent further complications while preserving your smile and oral well-being.

What treatments does endodontics provide?

The Melrose Dentist offers a full suite of endodontic treatments, including:

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is an outpatient procedure that removes damaged or infected tooth pulp. During a root canal, your dentist makes a hole in your tooth, removes the pulp, and fills the empty space with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. Afterward, they cover your treated tooth with a crown, restoring its overall size, strength, and appearance.

Root canal retreatment

Sometimes root canal therapy doesn’t go as planned. If the center of your tooth (the root canal) gets reinfected, root canal retreatment may be necessary. During root canal retreatment, your dentist recleans the center of your tooth. After eradicating the infection, they refill your tooth with gutta-percha and place a new restoration on top if needed.

Dental implant placement

If you’re missing some or all of your permanent teeth, The Melrose Dentist might recommend dental implants. Implants are titanium posts that integrate with your bone through a process called osseointegration. They provide a strong, long-lasting foundation for restorations like crowns, a fixed bridge, or implant-retained dentures.

Does endodontics benefit me?

To determine if you’re a good candidate for endodontics, your provider at The Melrose Dentist reviews your dental health history, conducts a comprehensive oral exam, and asks about your symptoms. They also take a series of panoramic digital X-rays or 3D scans using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner.

After determining the underlying source of your discomfort and assessing its severity, your provider develops a care plan that aligns with your needs.

What can I do to protect my tooth pulp?

The easiest way to protect your tooth pulp is to practice good oral hygiene. The Melrose Dentist recommends brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the office at least twice a year for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. To lower your risk of pulp damage or trauma, wear a mouthguard when playing contact or extreme sports.

If you’re interested in learning more about endodontics, request a consultation at The Melrose Dentist. Call to speak with a member of the administrative staff, or book online today.