Endodontics refers to the interior (Endo) of the teeth (Dontia). The dental pulp is the tissue located inside the teeth and it is composed of nerves, blood vessels and specialized cells, among others. It’s main function is to form the teeth (during the formation period of these structures) and secondly to perceive external stimuli.

Endodontics is the dental specialty dedicated to prevent, diagnose and treat the illnesses of the dental pulp and the tissues that surround it. If your tooth’s nerve chamber becomes infected by decay, or damaged by trauma, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth. Inside the hard outer shell of each tooth is a specialized area called the pulp or nerve chamber. The pulp chamber contains a system of blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves and the pulp, which enter from the bone through the root canals. This system provides nourishment for the cells within the tooth.

In a root canal or endodontic treatment, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp and replaces it with a special filler which helps maintain the remaining tooth structure.

Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:

• Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
• Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.

Be sure to follow the special home care instructions provided by your dental professional. Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Even if one of your tooth becomes injured or diseased, it can often be saved through root canal (endodontic) treatment. To help you understand this procedure, we have answered some often asked questions about this treatment.