Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the dental pulp inside the tooth and tissues, nerves, arteries and veins surrounding the roots of a tooth.

It focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of these tissues. When the dental pulp becomes diseased or injured due to trauma or a deep cavity, endodontic treatment is required to save the tooth.

As dentists with expertise in endodontics, Dr Liezl Kemp & Associates are committed to helping you maintain your natural smile for a lifetime, and aim to help save diseased teeth.

What does endodontic treatment involve?

A root canal is a commonly performed endodontic procedure.

Root canal therapy is generally needed when there is an infection deep within the pulp of the tooth. This infection typically occurs when a tooth is broken or cracked, and the pulp of the tooth becomes exposed. Since the pulp of the tooth contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, when infected, it can cause severe pain and sensitivity in the tooth.

If left untreated, the infection can lead to the development of an abscess and the loss of the tooth. Root canal therapy is then done in such cases to relieve toothache and treat the infection that would have otherwise lead to the loss of the tooth, or need for extraction of the tooth.

Root canal therapy is done in the following way:

• To prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure we will anaesthetize the tooth.
• Next, a hole is made into the infected tooth to gain access to the pulp of the tooth.
• The infected tissue is removed from the tooth and the tooth is disinfected.
• Depending on the severity of the infection we will either fill the canal of the tooth or put a temporary medicament in the tooth to help it settle down.
• Once the infection has cleared up, the canal/tooth will be sealed to prevent re-infection while the permanent dental cap is being made.
• A permanent crown or dental cap can be cemented over the surface of the tooth to protect it, prevent it from breaking, and restore your bite and chewing ability

While you may have heard that root canal therapy is very painful, this in fact not the case. In most cases, the actual infection of the root canal is more painful than the treatment thereof.

Rest assured the dental experts at our offices will ensure you are comfortable during any and all your dental restorations and treatments.