Endodontic Dentistry Services

Complete Endodontic Work for Patients in Fort Lauderdale , FL

Endodontics specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the soft tissue and nerves of the teeth, also known as the pulp. The importance of endodontic treatment lies in its ability to preserve natural teeth and avoid the need for extractions.

If left untreated, a diseased or injured pulp can result in a build-up of bacteria, leading to painful abscesses, swelling, and eventually tooth loss. Endodontic treatment, commonly known as a root canal, removes the infected pulp, disinfects the canal, and fills the space to prevent further infections.

Moreover, endodontic therapy can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. A tooth restored with a root canal treatment can function normally and deliver the same aesthetics as your natural teeth.

In addition, endodontic therapy can benefit patients of all ages. From children who have had dental injuries, to an elderly individual experiencing dental discomfort, endodontic treatment can help save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction.

Overall, endodontics serves as an essential component of dental care, as it offers a viable solution to save natural teeth and relieve patients of dental pain.

At Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD, our endodontic services treat the following:

• Cracked teeth
• Post and core
• Root canal therapy

How Are Teeth Chipped or Cracked?

The human body's hardest substance is the enamel, serving as a protective covering for teeth. However, its durability has limits. Chewing on hard candy or ice, biting down too forcefully, enduring a face blow, or grinding teeth during sleep could cause a tooth to chip or crack. In addition, poor dental hygiene and tooth decay could weaken teeth, making them more prone to chipping or cracking. If a tooth is only chipped or cracked in the enamel layer, it might not be painful but could be noticeable during temperature changes or when biting down strongly. Some cracks may not be visible to the naked eye. Therefore, it is crucial to schedule regular checkups with Dr Bodnar to identify issues before they become more severe.

The Types of Damaged Teeth That Need to Be Repaired

Tiny cracks on teeth are called craze lines, affecting only the outer layer of the enamel and commonly appearing in adults. They are superficial and do not cause pain but may not look pleasing. However, these cracks are harmless and do not require treatment. On the other hand, a fractured cusp happens when the point of a tooth on the chewing surface weakens and breaks off, often causing pain that can be relieved through the removal of the broken piece by Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD. Such fractures rarely damage the pulp and thus root canal treatment is typically unnecessary. To restore the tooth, Dr Bodnar may recommend a crown. Some cracks may extend to the root, possibly damaging the pulp, and requiring root canal treatment. In the most severe cases, a split tooth occurs when the crack progresses until the tooth splits into two separate parts. Depending on the extent of the split, Dr Bodnar may not be able to save the tooth, and part of it may need to be removed while the rest is restored with a crown or other procedures. Vertical root fractures, which are difficult to identify, originate in the root of a tooth and are often caused by symptoms that Dr Bodnar will need to know about. Endodontic treatment is often necessary and, in many cases, removing the tooth is necessary.

Preventing Cracks or Chipping



Although it’s difficult to prevent tooth damage altogether, most people experience some extent of it eventually. To minimize the damage, Dr Bodnar suggests some practical tips:

• Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, pens, hard candy, etc.
• Do not clench or grind your teeth.
• In case of grinding your teeth in sleep, speak with Dr Bodnar to obtain a retainer or mouth guard.
• Wear a mouth guard during contact sports.
  

What Is a Post and Core?

When a tooth loses a significant portion of its structure due to a cavity, loss of a filling, or the creation of the access cavity during root canal work, a restorative dentist cannot place a crown directly on the tooth as it lacks stability. In such cases, a core is used to replace the missing tooth structure and provide support for the new crown. In certain situations, the core alone may suffice, yet a post may be required to anchor the core to the tooth.



Materials That Make a Difference With Core and Post Treatment

The materials used for the core and post significantly affect the stability of the tooth. Studies demonstrate that metal posts do not effectively stabilize the tooth and may even cause fractures. On the other hand, complications from fiber-reinforced posts are rare since the material distributes stress like natural dentin, alleviating strain on the surrounding tissues.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy, a common procedure at our office, can effectively restore an infected tooth to its natural appearance and function. Contrary to popular belief, the procedure is no more painful than filling a cavity. Dr Bodnar may recommend a root canal if your cavity is severe enough to cause infection and spread to the nerve in your tooth root. Neglecting such a cavity can lead to abscess, jaw bone loss, and other health concerns. Additionally, Dr Bodnar may suggest root canal treatment for cracked or damaged teeth that expose your tooth nerves.

How Root Canals Keep You in Good Health

During a root canal performed by Dr Bodnar, the infected tissue and bacteria in your tooth's canals will be removed, followed by drying and sealing. To further safeguard your tooth against infections and maintain a healthy smile, a crown may be placed. Root canal therapy is a prevalent dental procedure at Dr Gabor Bodnar DMD, with approximately 16 million performed annually in the United States alone. Don't be frightened by root canal myths. Thanks to safe and effective anesthesia, advanced instruments, and imaging technology, a root canal is no longer a painful treatment, but instead, a relief for pain.