Understanding Endodontic Treatments
Endodontics refers to a dental specialty that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the structures found inside the teeth. The name of “Endodontics” comes from the Greek prefix 'endo-' meaning 'within' and the Greek word 'odont' meaning 'tooth'.
In order to perform both complex and simple procedures, endodontists receive two to three years of extra dental training, with a focus on studying diseases of the dental pulp and how to treat them.
Signs and symptoms of endodontic problems:
- Inflammation and tenderness in the gums.
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold foods.
- Tenderness when chewing and biting.
- Tooth discoloration.
- Unexplained pain in the nearby lymph nodes.
What is the area of dentistry which regards performing root canal procedures?
Why did my dentist refer me to an endodontist? A general dentist can perform root canals if they have the proper equipment. Sometimes if the root canal procedure is more complicated, it's referred to a specialist called an endodontist.
What is the difference between a general dentist and an endodontist?
The difference is that an endodontist, after dental school, goes to a specialty specifically for root canal procedures.
What procedures are done in endodontics?
The procedures performed are root canal therapy, apicectomies, and retreatment of root canal therapies.
Reasons for endodontic treatment
The purpose of endodontic treatment (or root canal therapy) is to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it.
Here are some of the main causes of inner tooth damage:
- Oral Bacterial infections – Oral bacteria are one of the main causes of endodontic problems. As a result of a bacterial infection, you may have a tooth abscess that won't go away without treatment.
- Fractured and broken/ chipped teeth – If a large piece of the tooth breaks off, the nerve inside the tooth may be damaged, and root canal therapy may be required.
- Teeth Injuries – Dental injuries can be caused as a result of an accident or sports injury. If the tooth is luxated or dislodged from its socket, root canal therapy will be needed after the endodontist stabilizes the injured tooth.
- Teeth Removals – In case of a knocked-out tooth, an emergency dental treatment is needed, in order to place it back into the socket as soon as possible. The endodontist will use a special splint to place the tooth back in its socket and will then perform root canal therapy to save the tooth.
How is it determined if a root canal is needed?
To determine if a patient needs a root canal, a series of tests are performed which will determine if the nerve on that particular tooth is damaged beyond repair.
Is it more expensive to see an endodontist than a general dentist?
In general, an endodontist does charge more than a regular dentist.
Normally, dental insurances do cover a percentage of root canal therapy.
What does an endodontic procedure involve?
For root canal therapy, one to three dental appointments will be needed. The endodontist will ask for complete X-rays of the teeth before the treatment begins.
In the first stage, a local anesthetic will be administered. To ensure that the surgical area remains free of saliva during the treatment, the endodontist will place a dental dam. After an opening is created in the surface of the tooth and the pulp is completely removed, the space will be shaped, cleaned, and filled with gutta-percha.
Gutta-percha is a material used in endodontics to fill a tooth after a root canal procedure. In most cases, the endodontist will place a temporary filling previous to the permanent restoration procedure. During the final visit, a permanent restoration or crown will be placed.
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