Endodontics: The Secret To Saving Smiles

Root canals have a reputation for being one of life’s most unpleasant experiences, but at Elite Dental in Wheaton & Takoma Park, we know that they’re responsible for eradicating pain.

Designed to remedy the injuries and infections that can occur in a tooth’s dental pulp – the soft tissues located inside a tooth – endodontic treatments can save a natural tooth and remedy the pain that often occurs when a tooth is infected to the point that it needs root canal therapy.

Why are root canals sometimes necessary?

Below your tooth’s hard enamel exterior lies a canal containing pulp – connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. This pulp works hardest during tooth development, meaning that adult teeth can survive without pulp since teeth can draw nutrients from surrounding tissues. When pulp becomes inflamed or infected, often the best way to remedy the situation is to remove the pulp, thereby eradicating the infection.

Among the causes for pulp infection and inflammation:

• tooth decay that’s significant and deep
• cracks in the tooth
• trauma and/or injury to the tooth.

When one or more of these issues occur, it’s possible that you’ll feel severe pain that grows worse when you bite or chew, and drink or consume cold or hot items. You may also experience sore and/or discolored gums, and one or more small bumps on your gums that resemble a pimple.

At Elite Dental, when we present endodontic therapy as an option for you, our goal is to eradicate your pain as soon as possible, and to retain your tooth. Once this treatment is complete, you’ll feel like yourself again, and your beautiful smile will remain intact!

Have questions about this smile-saving procedure? Call us at Elite Dental today!