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Endodontics
At The Dental Suite our team of nurses and doctors specialising in endodontics is dedicated to saving your natural teeth, offering the latest techniques in root canal treatment. Endodontics, a field focused on the inner structure of teeth, treats infections and trauma that can compromise dental health.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental expert specialising in diagnosing and treating complex tooth pain and performing root canal procedures. They receive advanced training, equipping them to manage even the most challenging cases. With precise techniques and advanced tools, our endodontists ensure high success rates in saving teeth that might otherwise require extraction.
Endodontist vs Dentist
All endodontists are dentists, who diagnose and treat oral health conditions. However less than 3% of dentists receive the extra training to become endodontists. An endodontist is just one type of dental specialist.
Endodontists perform multiple procedures:
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Root canal: Removes damaged or infected tooth pulp and reseals the tooth to prevent reinfection.
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Endodontic retreatment: Removes and replaces materials from a previous root canal that didn’t heal properly.
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Endodontic surgery: Specialised surgery, such as apicoectomy (removal of the end, or tip, of a tooth’s root).
Benefits of Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, is carried out to remove infected tissue within a tooth while preserving its structure. This procedure eliminates pain, prevents further infection, and protects your tooth's function. Unlike dental implants or bridges, root canal treatment retains the original tooth, which supports your natural smile.
Common reasons to see an endodontist:
Endodontists primarily treat damaged tooth pulp or root tissues arising from the following causes:
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Tooth decay: the breakdown of a tooth that results from poor oral hygiene.
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Tooth injuries: Trauma affecting your tooth (such as from a hard fall).
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Tooth abscess: A buildup of pus that forms when bacteria gets inside your tooth or gums.
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Cracked tooth: Damage to your tooth that allows an opening for bacteria to get inside.
Ignoring these signs and symptoms could lead to severe complications. A timely endodontic intervention prevents these issues, protecting your smile and overall health.
Our Endodontic Process
During a consultation, our endodontist assesses the affected tooth using digital imaging. After numbing the area, we access the tooth, remove infected tissue, clean and shape the root canals, and then seal them to prevent further infection.
With an emphasis on comfort and efficiency, our clinics prioritise patient care and dental preservation. Our endodontists utilise advanced tools allowing for precise treatment even in complex cases. This specialised approach minimises discomfort and enhances long-term outcomes.
FAQs
1. What does an endodontist do?
An endodontist is a dentist who specialises in diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp and root tissues. They are skilled in performing root canals, treating severe tooth pain, handling infections, and addressing complex dental injuries that may otherwise require tooth extraction.
2. What is the difference between an endodontist and a dentist?
While all endodontists are trained dentists, endodontists undergo additional specialised training to treat complex issues of the tooth's inner structures, especially through root canals and other procedures. Dentists perform general oral care, whereas endodontists focus on advanced root and pulp treatments.
3. Is endodontic treatment the same as a root canal?
Yes, endodontic treatment often refers to root canal therapy, where infected or damaged pulp inside the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and shaped, and then the tooth is sealed to prevent future infection.
4. What is the difference between periodontics and endodontics?
Endodontics deals with the internal part of the tooth, including the pulp and root canals, primarily to address infections and pain within the tooth. Periodontics, on the other hand, focuses on the structures around the teeth, such as gums and bone, primarily managing gum disease and supporting structures.
5. What is the endodontic procedure?
In a typical endodontic (root canal) procedure, the endodontist numbs the area, accesses the tooth, removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and then seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. This preserves the natural tooth and prevents the need for extraction.
6. What are the benefits of endodontic treatment?
Endodontic treatment saves the natural tooth, alleviates pain, prevents infection, and maintains the natural structure and function of the tooth, unlike extractions or implants.
7. When should I see an endodontist?
You should consider seeing an endodontist if you experience severe tooth pain, sensitivity, a cracked or injured tooth, or signs of infection, such as swelling or an abscess.