Understanding Endodontics

Endodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry dealing with the dental pulp. “Endo” means “inside” in Greek, while “odont” means “tooth.” As such, this field of dentistry deals with anything concerning the inside of the teeth and the surrounding area. Most commonly, this refers to root canal treatments and retreatments. Accordingly, endodontists can be considered dentists who specialize in saving teeth.

As mentioned earlier, endodontists must complete an additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics after completing dental school. They keep both aesthetics and functioning in mind, helping patients restore and maintain their natural smiles. In addition to performing routine procedures, endodontists can also execute complex surgical procedures.

Endodontists vs. Dentists

All endodontists are dentists, but very few dentists (less than 3%, in fact) are endodontists. Endodontists undergo intensive training focused on problems and procedures related to the tooth's interior. Often, when dentists see patients with severe tooth pain or infected tooth pulp, they will refer them to an endodontist to preserve the affected tooth.

Endodontists perform many more root canal treatments than dentists, who typically only perform two a week. In comparison, endodontists perform an average of 25 per week. They also have a full understanding of specialized pain management techniques, including administering numbing medications. Additionally, endodontists are well-versed in the most cutting-edge technologies to ensure the treatment's success.

Endodontic Services

Endodontists perform any services regarding the inside of the tooth. Common endodontic procedures include root canal treatments and retreatments. However, other endodontic services include endodontic surgeries, dental implant placement, dental trauma treatment and pulp regeneration cases. In all cases, an endodontist’s primary goal is to preserve as much of the natural tooth whenever possible.

Natural teeth have a direct relationship with the alveolar bone, also known as the upper and lower jawbones that hold the teeth into place. As long as there are tooth roots within the alveolar bone, the amount of bone loss will remain at a minimum, and the adjacent teeth can remain more stable.

Serious Endodontic Issues

Patients who do not receive necessary endodontic treatment may develop serious issues, such as pulp necrosis. Pulp necrosis refers to the death of the tooth’s pulp, and it can easily lead to other dental and general health problems. Patients with pulp necrosis are at risk of infection, fever, and jaw swelling. It is also associated with abscesses (including those in the brain), bone loss, cellulitis, periodontitis, and sinusitis. Pulp necrosis is particularly common in patients whose pulp was infected or affected by trauma and remained untreated.

Some patients may require more involved measures to treat their condition. In such cases, endodontic surgery may be necessary. This process allows the endodontist to find any small fractures or hidden canals that may have gone unnoticed in previous X-rays during earlier, less invasive procedures. Endodontists can also perform surgery to remove calcium deposits in root canals or treat damaged root surfaces (or the surrounding bone of the tooth).

When to See an Endodontist

Patients should always take tooth pain or dental trauma seriously. The sooner it is treated, the better the chances of preserving the tooth. Many patients fear that getting a root canal treatment will be painful. Thanks to modern technology, however, the procedure is barely more discomforting than getting a cavity filled. Signs that patients may need root canal treatment can include tooth mobility, a chipped or cracked tooth, pain when pressure is applied to the tooth, swollen gums, tooth discoloration, tooth sensitivity, and persistent tooth pain.

Patients should also see an endodontist if they have suffered any facial trauma or are experiencing any swelling around the teeth, gums, or face. Since endodontists receive specialized training beyond dental school, they are uniquely qualified to diagnose tooth pain, perform any complicated procedures, and do anything necessary to preserve the tooth.

Call Us Today

Endodontists can make the difference between saving or losing your teeth. We at Tranquility Dental Spa can help. Call us today at 980-316-7109 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.