Explanation of Endodontics

Endo is the Greek word for “inside” and odontis Greek for “tooth”. Endodontic treatment covers the inside of the tooth. To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root.

The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature, it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. Endodontists specializes in procedures that work with the pulp and root of the tooth, especially, root canal

Who is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist with specialized training in treating conditions that affect the tooth root and the interior portion of the tooth.

Procedures performed by an endodontist:

Root Canal Reasons

  • Tooth Decay
  • Accidental trauma or Fracture
  • Infection
  • Dead Tooth Nerve

Signs of inflamed or infected pulp:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Moderate to severe toothache
  • Pain while chewing and during application of pressure
  • Discoloration (darkening or graying) of the tooth
  • Swelling, tenderness or redness of the gums around tooth
  • If these symptoms are evident, you must seek treatment for the diseased pulp.

Procedure:

This therapy involves the use of local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort . During root canal therapy, the injured pulp is removed and root canal system is disinfected. Once the tissue is removed, we use a filling for the tooth and seal it to prevent further infection. Root canal treatment can be completed in a single or multiple visits depending on the type of treatment required. The success rate is high and most patients are informed if there is a condition that may affect their chance of success.

After root canal therapy has been completed, a restoration, generally a crown, is recommended to protect your natural tooth structure and restore functionality.

Using the latest endodontic equipment and Dr Sanjay’s experience ensures that we achieve the best possible and long-lasting result.

Can all teeth be treated endodontically?

Most teeth can be treated and saved. Occasionally, a tooth can’t be saved because the root canals are not accessible, the root is severely fractured, the tooth doesn’t have adequate bone support, or the tooth cannot be restored. However, advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth that even a few years ago would have been lost. When endodontic treatment is not effective, endodontic surgery may be able to save the tooth. Your dentist will discuss this with you.