You might be a bit confused when your dentist recommends endodontic treatment for you, but you probably are more familiar with the root canal treatment. This is the more common treatment in endodontics, a specialty in dentistry that deals with the dental pulp. Endodontic treatment in Katonah, NY is meant to save a tooth from being extracted. We are proud to offer this service at Golden’s Bridge Family Dentistry to help restore your oral health.

What is Endodontics?

The tooth is made up of layers. The outermost layers, the enamel, and dentin are harder, while the innermost area is the more sensitive dental pulp, which consists of the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. When the outer layers of the tooth are affected by damage or decay, the problem can be fairly easily fixed with treatments like dental fillings or crowns. If the decay or damage threatens the inside of the tooth, however, it is a more serious problem that should be addressed promptly to prevent having to extract the tooth entirely. Endodontics deals with treating this area of the tooth.

Why is Endodontic Treatment Recommended?

If a tooth has become affected with severe damage or decay, an abscess or infection could occur, which could eventually threaten the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. At that point, the tooth will have to be removed to preserve those surrounding structures. Endodontic treatment in Katonah, NY will be recommended before the health of the tooth has reached this stage.

How is Endodontic Treatment Performed?

Endodontic treatment is a surgical procedure, so some form of sedation dentistry will be used to keep you as comfortable as possible. Your dentist at Golden’s Bridge Family Dentistry will access the inside of a tooth through a hole that will be created in the crown of the tooth. Any traces of decay will then be removed, and the canal of the tooth will be reshaped. Smoothing it out will discourage bacteria from collecting in that area again and creating further dental issues. Your dentist will then fill in the area with a biocompatible material to restore the structure and function to the tooth. It will usually be capped with a dental crown.