Who performs endodontic treatment?
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in endodontic procedures. They only do endodontics in their practices because they are specialists. To become specialists, they finish a degree in dentistry and also do two or more years or more advanced studies in endodontics. They perform not only routine cases but also very difficult and complex endodontic procedures, including endodontic surgery. Endodontists are also experienced in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has not been easy to diagnose.
What is endodontic treatment?
“Endo” means “inside” and “don’t” means “tooth” in Latin and Greek. Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Knowing a little about the anatomy of the tooth will help you understand the endodontic treatment. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, there is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that feed the tooth during its formation. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects with the surrounding tissues. The pulp is important during tooth growth and formation. However, when the tooth has fully matured, it can survive without the pulp because the surrounding tissues continue to feed the tooth.
Why is a root canal treatment necessary?
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. There can be several causes of infection or inflammation: deep cavities, various dental procedures on the tooth, or a fracture in the tooth. A blow to the tooth can also damage the pulp even though there is no visible crack or crack in the tooth. If the inflammation or infection of the pulp is not treated, it can cause pain or form an abscess. Signs of the damaged pulp include pain, prolonged sensitivity to cold or heat, color changes, and swelling and discomfort in the gums around the tooth. Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Can root canal treatment save a tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and prepares the inside of the tooth, fills and seals the space. Afterward, you will return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed to protect the tooth and thus give it its full function. After being restored, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Will I feel discomfort during or after the procedure?
Many root canals are done to relieve tooth pain caused by inflammation or infection of the pulp. With modern techniques and the use of anesthesia, most patients say they feel fine during the procedure. During the first days after the treatment, you may notice sensitivity in the tooth, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be alleviated with painkillers or stronger medicines that need to be prescribed. Follow your endodontist’s recommendations carefully. You will continue to feel differently from your teeth until you return to your dentist for restoration. However, if you have severe pain or pressure, lasting more than a few days, call your endodontist.
Endodontic Procedure
Endodontic treatment can be done in one or two visits and consists of the following steps
1. The endodontist examines the tooth and takes X-rays and then places a local anesthetic. After anesthetizing the tooth, the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a “rubber dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
2. The endodontist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very fine instruments are used to clean the pulp from the chamber and canals and to prepare the space for filling.
3. After cleaning and preparing the space, the endodontist covers the canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha”. Gutta-percha is inserted with an adhesive cement to ensure a complete seal of the canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed and will be changed by your dentist before restoring the tooth.
4. After your last visit with the endodontist, return to your dentist to place a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and give it its full function.
If the tooth is insufficiently structured to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may insert a post into the tooth. For more details on the planned restoration for your tooth, ask your endodontist dentist.
How much will the procedure cost?
The cost varies depending on the severity of the problem and the affected tooth. Molars are more difficult to treat and generally cost more. The majority of social workers and medical insurance cover endodontic treatments. Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the tooth are more economical than the alternative treatment of extracting the tooth, since the extracted tooth must be replaced with a bridge or an implant to restore chewing and prevent movement of the adjacent teeth. These alternative treatments tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and proper restoration.