What is Endodontics?
WHAT IS ENDODONTICS?
What is Endodontics?
WHAT IS ENDODONTICS?
Endodontics is the dental field specialized in treating disease of the pulpal and periapical tissues. The focus of endodontics is to prevent or cure inflammation of the periapical tissues through root canal therapy, root canal retreatment, and apical surgery. These procedures are aimed at the elimination of bacteria within the root canal system. The ultimate goal is to save your tooth.
Anatomy
The root canal is a space within the root of a tooth that contains the pulp, which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. These tissues are essential during tooth development to allow proper root formation. After the tooth is fully formed, the pulp tissues provide a feedback response to irritants, such as bacteria and their toxins. The pulp is vulnerable to bacteria and can become inflamed or infected by a rapidly approaching cavity.
Etiology
The main cause of a tooth infection is bacteria. The immune system within the pulp can defend itself from small amounts of bacteria, but it can easily be overwhelmed as the bacteria increase. An infected root canal can lead to a condition known as apical periodontitis, which is inflammation and loss of bone around the root tips. Apical periodontitis may be asymptomatic or may present as discomfort to chewing, biting, or tapping the tooth. Sometimes pain is spontaneous and without provocation.
Endodontists
Endodontists
Why visit an endodontist?
Just as your medical doctor may refer you to a specialist, your dentist may also refer you to an endodontist for a root canal procedure. Endodontists are dentists specially trained to treat infections and pain related to the root canal system of a tooth.
Endodontists require at least 2 years of post-doctoral education that not only produces clinicians proficient in endodontic procedures, but also provides a deep biological understanding of how to treat and prevent endodontic disease. With this knowledge, endodontists are capable of providing excellent treatment with a high standard of care.
Please view the patient videos below for more information:
Features interviews with root canal patients describing their positive, pain-free experiences, while endodontists explain what a root canal is and symptoms you may have if you need one.
Just like technology changes, so has root canal treatment. Modern endodontists use state-of-the-art training and technology to provide quick, comfortable treatment to relieve your pain and save your tooth.
Endodontists detail the positive relationships they have with their referring general practitioners and a general dentist talks about the importance of knowing his limitations.
Learn how endodontists, the specialists in saving teeth, use advanced technology and expert training to reinvent modern root canal treatment.