What is Endodontics?
Endodontics or root canal treatment (RCT) is a field of dentistry that deals with the pathology and biology of the tooth’s pulp and root tissues (“endo” means interior or inside). Endodontics is required when the dental pulp is infected or inflamed. The pulp is mostly infected due to deep cavities, cracks and chips, trauma, and repeated dental procedures.
Usually, the general dentists refer the patients to an endodontist in the complicated issues or in cases that are difficult to address. An endodontist is a professional dentist who has undergone at least two years of extra postgraduate training. The specialized training allows him/her to deal with diseases and problems of the dental pulp and supporting tissues. The endodontist is experienced in diagnosing, preventing, and treating the damaged, injured dental pulp. Moreover, s/he informs patients about the treatment procedure to ensure the greatest possible outcome.
So, in general, “Endodontics is the specific study of the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. Endodontic treatment is needed when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. An endodontist is a specialized dentist that carefully cleans the canal space and seals it” announced by UCONN School of Dental Medicine.
How Can I Understand If I Need to Visit the Endodontist?
If you are experiencing one of the following signs, visiting the endodontist can be the great choice for you:
- Suffering from severe tooth pain especially when it is touched
- Swollen gum
- Tooth sensitivity
- Damaged tooth
The procedures offered by the endodontist are microscopic endodontics, root canal treatment, root canal re-treatment, and other treatments that preserve the tooth and restore its integrity, strength, and function.
Endodontics Procedure
To understand endodontic treatment, it is better to know about dental anatomy. A tooth consists of enamel (outside layer) that is supported by the dentin. Dentin protects the dental pulp (central soft tissue). The pulp is a collection of soft connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. It has an important role in tooth growth, but not the function. After dental pulp removal, the tooth is nourished by the surrounding tissues. “The pulp, which contains nerves; arterioles and venules as well as lymphatic tissue and fibrous tissue, can become diseased or injured and thus is unable to repair itself. The pulp then dies and endodontic or root canal treatment is required” claimed by the University of Washington, School of Dentistry.
During endodontic treatment, the infected, damaged, or injured pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned and sealed. Some patients are afraid of root canals; however, the endodontist administers local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. Therefore, the patient will not suffer from any pain. Usually, the treatment requires one or more visits to the endodontist. When the endodontic treatment has been completed, an additional appointment for permanent reconstruction and restoration is scheduled. According to Dental Clinic Toronto Endodentic Specialist , “During root canal treatment, an endodontist who specializes in such treatment will remove any damaged parts of the tooth, clean out the remainder, place a filling, and add a crown or other necessary treatments to ensure the strength of the tooth.”