Endodontics is the technical term in Dentistry for a root canal procedure. Over the years this procedure has obtained quite a reputation for being an unpleasant procedure, but advances in the field of Dentistry have changed the procedure so much that the American Association of Endodontists renamed it endodontic therapy. The procedure itself is still pretty much the same, but the techniques and instruments used have changed quite a bit. It has become a relatively comfortable and routine dental procedure.

        Endodontics is needed when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected. This is most often caused by a severe cavity or a cracked tooth. Bacteria then get inside the pulp which cannot properly fight it off and a dental infection sets in. If nothings is done about this it can cause severe dental pain and even damage to the tissues surrounding the tooth. If a root canal is not performed early enough, a tooth extraction may unfortunately become necessary. This missing tooth will then need to be replaced with either a dental bridge or dental implants.

        Endodontics requires the pulp of the tooth to be removed in order to get rid of the dental infection. It is possible for the rest of the tooth to survive without the pulp because it can be nourished by the surrounding tissue. Your chosen root canal dentist will hollow out the tooth down into the roots and replace this removed soft tissue with a substance similar to rubber called gutta percha. A porcelain crown or a gold crown will then be placed on top of the tooth. Generally this procedure will save the tooth for the rest of your lifetime, requiring no additional root canal treatment. There are potential root canal complications though and once the procedure is done, it is important to maintain communication with your dentist.

        At the Atlanta Dental Group PC we want to make endodontics as comfortable as possible. We do this by using root canal equipment such as high torque handpieces used with titanium root canal files, sonar instrumentation and digital x-rays. Dr. Charles Chung and Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky have over 45 years of combined experience with root canal treatment and are concerned with helping their patients get through the procedure with as little discomfort as possible. Remember, the longer this is put off, the worse the result can be. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like to make a free dental consultation appointment, call 404-874-7428.