Endodontics is the dental care specialization dealing with the soft inner tissue of the tooth. It includes root canals and related procedures. Dr. Miller performs most endodontic procedures , but may refer you to a specialist in some cases.

Root Canals
A root canal refers to the extraction of dead or decaying pulp from the center of a tooth, followed by a reshaping of the central canal and replacement of the extracted pulp with filling material. A root canal is required when tooth decay in a cavity extends deeper than the outer layer of enamel and reaches the inner parts of a tooth. The resulting decay can cause severe damage to the structure of a tooth, and requires more extensive repair than a simple filling. However, in most cases a root canal can preserve the majority of the tooth’s original material and stop the spread of decay, thus saving the tooth from having to be pulled.

Apicoectomy
 Apicoectomy, also known as a root-end resection, refers to the removal of the tip (apex) of a tooth’s root after a root canal. It is only required in rare cases, when the bony area surrounding the tooth sustains infection or inflammation as a result of the root canal. The doctor will access and remove any inflamed or infected tissue while also removing the tip of the root, which is usually replaced with a small plug or filling. An apicoectomy, when necessary, helps to ensure the long-term effectiveness of a root canal.

 Dental Injury
 It is possible to save a tooth that has sustained injury, but the success of any treatment will depend on rapid response and correct handling of the tooth between the time of injury and treatment.

If a tooth gets knocked out:
- Handle the tooth only by the chewing surface (crown). - Find the tooth and gently rinse it with water if it is dirty, then attempt to replace it in its socket.
- If you cannot replace the tooth, either hold it between your cheek and gum or store it in water or milk. Do not let the tooth dry out!
- Seek medical help immediately; if no dentist is available, get to another medical professional as soon as possible.

If a tooth gets fractured:
- If the tooth is bleeding, do not touch it at all, even with cotton or gauze. - Call your dentist immediately.
- Get to a dentist or another medical professional as soon as possible, particularly if the injury is severe.


Re-treatment
Sometimes it is possible for a root canal to require re-treatment, particularly if the canals were not thoroughly cleaned and some pulp remains behind and becomes re-infected. In such cases the infection may spread beyond the tip of the root and lead to bone loss, tissue damage, and pain in the jaw. It is usually possible to repair such damage with a procedure similar to the original root canal.