Endodontic Services

What is endodontics?

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains the nerve supply and blood vessels that nourished the tooth during its development. The pulp runs from the inner chamber of the tooth down through one or more root canals to the tip of the root.

Endodontics deals with conditions that affect this inner tissue. Once a tooth is fully developed, it can survive without the pulp, the surrounding bone and gum tissue continue to provide nourishment. This means that diseased or damaged pulp tissue can often be removed without losing the tooth itself.

When is endodontic treatment needed?

Endodontic treatment is considered when the pulp inside a tooth has been compromised, whether through infection, inflammation, or physical injury. This can occur as a result of:

• Deep decay that has progressed into the pulp chamber
• A crack or fracture that extends into the pulp
• Trauma to the tooth, such as a blow that damages the nerve even without visible fracture
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, which can cumulatively affect the pulp
• A tooth that has become non-vital over time (the pulp has died)

In some cases there are noticeable symptoms, pain, swelling, or sensitivity. In others, pulp involvement is identified through x-rays or a clinical examination before any symptoms develop.

Endodontic services at Londonderry Dental Centre II

Root Canal Treatment

The most common endodontic procedure, removing infected or inflamed pulp tissue, cleaning and shaping the canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent re-infection. Root canal treatment allows the tooth to be retained and restored with a crown.

Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries

Trauma to the teeth, from a fall, impact, or accident, can affect the dental pulp even when there is no visible fracture. Management depends on the type of injury and may include monitoring, splinting, root canal treatment, or other interventions.

Cracked Tooth Treatment

Cracks in teeth can range from superficial surface lines to fractures that extend toward the root. The location and depth of a crack determines the appropriate treatment, which may include a crown, root canal therapy, or, in cases of a complete split, extraction.

Internal Tooth Bleaching

A procedure for teeth that have darkened after root canal treatment. A bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth chamber to address intrinsic discolouration from the inside, and may be repeated over several sessions.

About our endodontic services

Endodontic services at Londonderry Dental Centre II are provided by our general dentist team. Our dentists are not licensed specialists in endodontics.