Our Endodontics Specialty: Root Canal Therapy & Dental Crowns

At Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry, we have skilled, experienced endodontists to diagnose and treat chronic tooth pain, preserve our patients’ natural teeth, and perform root canal therapy, avoiding the need for tooth replacement. Read on to learn about the endodontic services provided at our Cary and Garner locations!

What Is Endodontics?

Endodontics is an advanced branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and problems with the soft tissues inside of teeth—also known as dental pulp. With endodontic treatment, commonly referred to as root canal therapy, endodontists can clean out, disinfect, and restore the root canal system inside of teeth. If damaged pulp is left untreated, it can cause a series of health issues and may even lead to tooth loss.

Why Visit an Endodontist Instead of a Dentist?

Endodontists have received extensive training and continuing education centered around alleviating tooth pain, performing root canal therapy, and working with the inner layers of the tooth. While many general dentists perform root canal therapy, certified endodontists have completed additional training focused on the inner tissues of the teeth.

The Root Canal Procedure

Oftentimes, patients shy away from root canal therapy due to the stigma around it. However, root canals are one of the most common dental procedures and actually have a very high success rate. During the process, we’ll first make a small hole in the crown of your tooth to give us access to the inner layers. We’ll then remove the infected pulp and thoroughly clean the root canals. Afterwards, the canals will be filled with a material called gutta-percha to ward off future infections and the small entry point will be sealed off with a tooth-colored filling that will blend in seamlessly with your tooth.

How Do Crowns Relate to Endodontics?

Severe decay and damage can compromise the structure of the natural tooth. So after root canal therapy is complete, most patients need a dental crown, which is a tooth-shaped cap made of special dental ceramic that goes over the entire tooth. This dental crown may be necessary to strengthen and protect the weakened tooth. Our endodontists work with your general dentist so that once root canal therapy is complete, your tooth can be restored with a crown and provide normal function for comfortable biting and chewing.

Get In Touch with Our Expert Team!

Are you suffering from chronic tooth pain? Or have you recently suffered a dental injury? Contact our office to schedule an endodontic consultation.