Micro-Endodontics

In Addison, Frisco, Dallas, McKinney and Plano, Texas

Endodontics is the specialized branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats injury and diseases of the pulp of the tooth. The pulp of the tooth contains the nerves, the main root canals, and the branches that connect the canals to one another. When endodontic therapy or treatment is required, the lay term is “root canal.”

Root Canal

Conjuring up feelings of fear and dread in many, if not most, dental patients due to perceived issues of pain, a root canal is simply the removal of infected or diseased tissue or pulp in the tooth. Fractures, damage, or decay may cause the pulp of the tooth to be irreparably damaged. This causes inflammation or infection, which then requires the pulp to be removed. It is often the only way to restore the tooth or teeth to a healthy state.

Procedure

Much of the anxiety of the root canal procedure comes from a fear of the pain involved. However, anesthetics have come a long way, and 99% of all root canals can be done with little or no discomfort whatsoever.

After the patient is anesthetized, the pulp of the tooth is exposed and the diseased tissue removed. Dr. Ragnell’s use of a state-of-the-art microscope and other forms of magnification ensures that all of the diseased tissue is removed, so that pieces too small to be seen by the human eye do not remain. Many of the canals are difficult to negotiate, but through the use of the microscope, a special file, and irrigation, the infection is isolated and removed. When the tooth has been cleaned and prepared, it is filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance. Subsequently, in a separate procedure, the tooth is capped with a crown. to restore the strength and resistance to further breakdown in the future.

Using the microscope, Dr. Ragnell can also detect tiny fractures in other teeth that may cause problems down the road. These can be dealt with in a variety of ways to avoid future root canals. However, a root canal is the only to clear the bacterial infection from the teeth. It is also important to understand that an infected tooth will not heal on its own. Most root canal procedures can be performed in one visit.

If you believe you may have an infected tooth or would like to know more about endodontics or micro-endodontics, please contact our Plano, Texas office today.