Endodontics

Endodontics, more commonly known as root canal, is the procedure dentists employ to treat the infection of the nerve of the tooth. The nerve or pulp of the tooth is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, which are important in tooth development. Dentists recommend root canal therapy or endodontic treatment when the pulp tissue is infected. Pulp infection can occur due to several reasons. Some of the most common reasons are extensive tooth decay spreading till the root or pulp, trauma or an accidental blow to the tooth, or multiple fillings over the years. If this infection is not treated in a timely manner, it may spread to the surrounding teeth as well.

A root canal procedure involves removing the damaged pulp tissue and replacing it with an inert material called gutta percha. The only other alternative to a root canal is having the tooth extracted.

Although a much dreaded treatment, with the help of latest technology, a root canal treatment is no longer any more uncomfortable than having a simple filing replaced. Since patient comfort is of utmost importance, our team of dentists goes that extra mile to provide you with a virtually painless root canal treatment.

Key Indicators of the Need for Root Canal Treatment

One of the reasons that a patient comes in to the dental office is when he/she has pain or discomfort. Besides indications of pain, some of the other indicators to look out for are: prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums.

Tooth Extraction

The very idea of getting a tooth “pulled out” can bring shivers down the back. While today, dentists resort to extraction as the last resort, sometimes it becomes inevitable to extract a tooth.

Key Indicators of the Need for Extraction

Sometimes, there is extensive damage to the tooth which cannot be repaired. This is the most common reason for extracting a tooth. Besides this, a person may have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in. In such cases also, dentists recommend extraction to make room for the new teeth. People undergoing orthodontic work may also require tooth extraction to create room for the teeth that are being moved into place. Modern dentistry today has made extraction a virtually painless procedure.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy focuses on treating diseases of the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It is estimated that about 50% of the American population suffers from periodontal disease.

The major reason for tooth loss in adults is attributed to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease starts of with development of plaque, which is an opaque film on the tooth. The plaque eventually hardens, leading to formation of tartar or calculus. Bacteria thrive on this calculus deposits which eventually lead to infection of the gums, known as Gingivitis. Left unchecked Gingivitis leads to Periodontitis which is a serious infection affecting the soft tissues of the teeth, and which may, over time, lead to tooth loss. Daily brushing and flossing can greatly reduce your chances of developing periodontitis.

We specialize in state-of-the-art periodontal treatment which includes Scaling and Root planning procedures to remove deep tartar. We recommend regular maintenance appointments till the desired results are achieved.