Endodontics

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth root, dental pulp, and surrounding tissue. When decay extends to the pulp or the nerve inside the tooth, the patient always experiences immediate throbbing pain. This pain is aggravated with cold and sweet foods. Dr. Pike relieves the pain by treating the root canal system. All of this work is done pain-free. Treatment begins with profound anesthesia. The tooth will be totally "numbed" so there is no discomfort to the patient during this procedure. The tooth nerve is reached by drilling into the tooth. The infected nerve is removed and canals are cleaned. After a root canal treatment, the tooth is fragile due to insults from decay and is prone to fracture. To protect the tooth from fracture a crown is sometimes recommended. All of this work is done pain-free.