Getting To The Root Of What Our Endodontist is All About

The practice of endodontics may be somewhat mysterious or misunderstood, in part because of outdated misconceptions and because our specialty is an “inside job.” Our endodontist at Concho Valley Endodontics is a well-trained, highly skilled expert at the tooth’s interior, a region that’s beyond the scope of most dental professionals. Less than three percent of all dentists have completed the rigorous preparations to become an endodontist.

We’re devoting today’s entry to providing some interesting facts about what we do.

• The root canal procedure that comprises the majority of our practice is often no more painful than having a tooth filled. Advances in techniques and improved anesthesia allow us to remove painful infected tissue hiding inside your tooth more quickly and with minimal discomfort.

• Teeth that appear beyond saving due to an injury or infection can be brought back to health and vitality by removing infected pulp and cleaning and sealing the canals. Preserving that natural tooth means avoiding costly replacements like bridges and implants.

• Not all teeth have the same number of roots. Those eight incisors usually have only one root, but molars — the twelve largest teeth in our mouths — can have as many as five. 

• The reason we can seal those roots is that once your tooth has fully developed, it no longer needs the blood vessels, nerves and other soft tissue found inside the pulp. The tooth can get nourishment from surrounding tissue.

• Untreated tooth infections have been linked to serious health conditions like diabetes, stroke and heart disease. That’s why finding the source of an infected tooth is so vital. 

We hope this will serve to dispel any reservations you may have about visiting our endodontist at Concho Valley Endodontics. We’re “dental detectives” who won’t rest until we uncover the root of your pain and provide safe, long-lasting relief! Please contact us today if you have any questions or for an appointment.