A range of tooth replacement options easily remedies problems with a failing or a missing tooth. However, there is a better fix: saving the natural tooth. That is what an endodontist specializes in.

Understanding Endodontics

Endodontics is the name of the field that endodontists specialize in. Endo as in inside and odont as in tooth means that these specific dentists diagnose and treat the tooth’s soft tissue inside.

Endodontists perform routine and complex procedures such as root canal treatment, retreatment, and endodontic microsurgery. To become specialists in endodontics, dentists must complete a three-year postgraduate training program.

That means dentists, much like specializing in any area of medicine, must complete another set of education to become specialists in endodontics, surgery, or children’s dentistry. After completing the standard four-year dental school, dentists can move on to postgraduate training in endodontics. 

Here, they learn about diagnosing and treating diseases in the living tissue at the dental pulp, tooth’s center, and surrounding area.

Endodontist Treatments

As stated above, endodontists perform both routine and complex procedures. The most common procedure they perform, however, is root canal treatment. 

Root Canal Treatment 

Endodontists perform about 25 root canal treatments per week, which means they are highly experienced in this area. This treatment is performed to remove bacteria from an infected root canal, prevent another infection, and save the natural tooth. 

Endodontists begin this procedure by anesthetizing the infected area. Then, they drill a small hole in the tooth’s crown to access the infected tissue and remove it. After a thorough cleaning of the site, the tooth is shaped and disinfected, then filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. 

The tooth is then sealed to prevent re-infection with a crown or cap placed onto the tooth at a later appointment. The restoration period of the tooth following a root canal treatment can go up to several years. 

Other Treatments

Other treatments endodontists perform include another procedure on the tooth when a previous root canal treatment fails, or the same tooth develops new issues. 

They also save dislodged or knocked-out teeth from the socket due to injury or trauma. Treating a dislodged tooth involves repositioning and stabilizing by splinting it to the tooth beside it, followed by root canal therapy. Then, the tooth should heal and tighten in its socket. 

Endodontists also perform surgery in cases where root canal therapy isn’t enough to save a tooth. This procedure is called apicoectomy, or when the apex (end) of the tooth root is removed. 

Why Saving the Natural Tooth Is Important

A root canal treatment may be painful, but anesthesia should alleviate the pain. In addition, this procedure is highly effective in relieving constant pain in the tooth and help it heal. So, getting this treatment and saving your natural tooth is important because:

  • It restores the patient’s natural smile
  • Comfortable chewing and biting
  • Reduced risk of complications, such as a rejected implant
  • Protects surrounding teeth from wear and damage
  • Maintains natural spacing of teeth

Final Thoughts

Endodontists advocate for saving a patient’s natural tooth unless in circumstances where a tooth extraction benefits the patient more. Still, their commitment to giving patients healthy teeth is undeniable. In addition, teeth with endodontic treatment also last for a very long time, highlighting its benefits.

At Edmonton Smiles, we are committed to providing quality dental care, so patients have healthy teeth for longer years. We service teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, preventive services, and dental emergencies in Edmonton. Book an appointment today, and together, let’s advocate for healthy teeth! 

Posted in Dental News & Advice