Your tooth consists of two main parts: the crown, which is that part of the tooth above the gum and visible in your mouth; and the root or roots, which is that part of the tooth that lies beneath the gum and is surrounded by bone. Inside each root is a channel that runs the length of the tooth. This channel is the root canal and contains the pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue), which is often referred to as the nerve of the tooth. The pulp may be irreversibly damaged by bacteria associated with decay, very deep restorations, fractures, trauma, or periodontal disease.
In order to preserve a tooth in which this has occurred, it is necessary to remove the diseased pulp tissue. This procedure is known as endodontic therapy. Since endodontic therapy is concerned with removing only the pulp from the root canal, the root will continue to function normally because the supporting tissues remain intact. It is advisable to remove the injured pulp because it may become infected or act as an irritant to the tissues surrounding the tooth.
Dr. Williamsis a graduate of Clearwater Central Catholic High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University in 1997 and his dental degree from New York University in 2002. After dental school, Dr. Williams completed a 1 year hospital based general practice residency in New York City. During the residency Dr. Williams was able to gain proficiency in all areas of clinical dentistry with a specific emphasis on oral surgery and special patient care.He practiced General Dentistry for 3 years prior to receiving his post-doctoral training in Endodontics from NYU, finishing the program in 2008. He then relocated back to the Tampa Bay area and started working in Hernando County at a private Endodontic practice. In February 2012, Dr. Williams joined our practice and brings with himhis knowledge and expertise in Microendodontics (using a microscope), CBCT (Cone BeamComputed Tomography) and pain control.
Having Dr. Williams as part of our team, allows us to be even more available to care for our patients when they are in pain. Dr. Williams shares our same philosophy and commitment to excellent patient care and providing the best possible endodontic experience for our patients.