Dr.Henry

Endodontic Therapy

Endodontic therapy (also called "root canal therapy") derives its meaning from two Greek words. "Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is the Greek word for "tooth." Therefore, endodontic therapy is involved with the treatment of the inside of the tooth. Dr. Henry is an Endodontist. That is, he is a dentist with two or more years of training beyond dental school that is devoted to diagnosing and treating diseases of the inside of the tooth, also known as the dental pulp. Endodontists perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including endodontic surgery. Endodontic therapy is performed when the dental pulp becomes inflamed and/or infected.

The causes of pulpal infection can be many things–deep decay, a fracture within the tooth, deep fillings near the dental pulp, or even a blow to the tooth. From time to time, a root canal is performed to give the general dentist more room inside the tooth so that he or she can design a crown that will last for many years. Typically, the only alternative to endodontic treatment is tooth removal.

For more detailed information on endodontic therapy, or, if you have questions about your treatment, you may find it handy to click on one of the links below.

American Dental Association--Root Canal Overview

American Association of Endodontists

Mark Henry, D.D.S., M.S. 2050 Marquette Rd. Suite 300 Peru, Illinois 61354 (815) 223-9931