Endodontics and Root Canal Dentistry
Endodontists are dentists who have specialized in the field of root canal therapy. Qualification as an endodontist typically requires an additional 2-3 years of training following dental school.
Endodontists specialize and limit their practice to root canal therapy (diseases of the tooth pulp as well as the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth) and root canal surgery. They use their special training and experience to treat difficult cases that are referred to them by general dentists, who opt not to perform these cases. This happens particularly when teeth have narrow or blocked canals, or unusual anatomy. Patients requiring root canal therapy are either referred by their general dentists to the endodontist or are self-referred.
Other procedures practiced in endodontics include:
- Incision for drainage.
- Internal tooth bleaching to fix teeth that have blackened because of infiltration of decayed soft tissue into the dentin in the teeth . most often seen in incisors that have been injured through a sudden impact.
- Periradicular surgery (apicoectomy) . surgical removal of the infection from the bone or a reversed root canal.
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A filling material (note the white material inside the tooth in the photo) is placed inside the root of the tooth.s canal, in order to seal the tooth from any more bacteria accumulation. Unlike what most people think, root canal therapy is not removal of the root of the tooth . it is placing a filling precisely and gently in the root.
Another myth is the amount of pain associated with root canals. The truth is: root canals are rarely painful. The only time they do become painful is when there is massive destruction to the tooth, massive infection has formed, bone is damaged, or there is swelling. If treated early on, root canals are rarely painful and very easy procedures.
These before and after x-rays show one of Lauren.s teeth (she is 47). After removal of her old fillings, decay was found. And after removal of the decay, communication between the bacteria and the nerve of her tooth was observed. You may be surprised to know that Lauren never had pain associated with this tooth. Root canal therapy was started, and the filling material was placed gently in the root of the tooth. Then the tooth was sealed, to prevent decay from returning.