When people think about dental care, they often think about general dentists or maybe even orthodontists, but very rarely do endodontists come to mind. This is mainly because endodontics is a very niche specialty of dentistry that many people never encounter, but the work endodontists do is vital for patients who need treatment on the soft inner pulp chamber or roots of the teeth.
Understanding Endodontics
Endodontics focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the inside of the teeth, also known as the pulp. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that are essential for keeping teeth healthy, functional, and pain-free. The pulp can become inflamed or infected due to traumatic injuries, poor dental hygiene, or extensive dental procedures. By treating issues inside the tooth, endodontists are able to help patients preserve their natural teeth for as long as possible.
The Role of an Endodontist
Endodontists complete extensive training beyond general dental school to learn everything about the inner pulp chamber and roots of the teeth and how these interact and affect the surrounding teeth and tissues. During this additional training, endodontists learn special methods and techniques for diagnosing and treating inner tooth pain, including:
Root Canal Treatments
Root canals are the most common treatment done by endodontists. Endodontists have extensive practice doing root canals and are usually up-to-date on the latest techniques to complete the procedure with minimal time, pain, and discomfort. During root canal treatment, the endodontist will remove infected and/or inflamed pulp, disinfect the inside of the tooth, then seal it off to prevent further infection from entering. Root canals can save natural teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted, potentially causing issues with the structure of the jawbone or alignment of surrounding teeth. While root canals are known for being painful, advances in endodontics and dental anesthesia have made painful root canals a thing of the past.- Endodontic Retreatment
In the rare case that a root canal treatment does not work as intended, endodontic retreatment may be necessary. Endodontic retreatment involves opening the tooth back up, removing the previous filling, cleaning and thoroughly disinfecting the inner tooth and roots, refilling the areas where pulp was removed, and sealing the tooth crown. It’s basically a complete redo of the root canal treatment. - Apicoectomy (Surgical Root Canal Treatment)
If endodontic retreatment still doesn’t fix the infected/inflamed tooth, an apicoectomy may be required. This is a surgical treatment to remove the tip of the tooth’s root, along with any surrounding affected tissue, including soft tissue and possibly bone. Apicoectomies are much less common than root canal treatments and reserved for only the most severe cases. - Traumatic Dental Injuries
Dental trauma can cause extreme pain and loss of function, but endodontists are well-equipped to deal with these issues. From car accidents to sports-related injuries to damage caused by chewing hard materials, endodontists can treat all types of dental trauma, save the patient’s natural teeth, and restore dental appearance and function. - Advanced Diagnostics
When a general dentist cannot pinpoint the underlying cause of dental pain, they may call in an endodontist for assistance. Endodontists use advanced diagnostic techniques to hone in on the cause of pain, utilizing modern dental technologies like x-rays and 3D imaging to get a clear picture of exactly what is going on. Once the source of the pain is identified, the endodontist can help develop a targeted treatment plan to restore the patient to a pain-free, fully functional state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontists
What special training do endodontists receive?
Endodontists receive specialized training in identifying, diagnosing, and treating issues with the inner part of the teeth, known as the pulp chamber, along with the roots of the teeth.
How many years does an endodontist study beyond general dental school?
Endodontists typically study at least two extra years beyond general dental school.
Why See an Endodontist in Oregon City?
If saving your natural teeth is a priority, then an endodontist is the best dental professional to see. Endodontists receive advanced training in specialized techniques designed to preserve the appearance and function of natural teeth, using state-of-the-art technology to accurately diagnose the cause of tooth pain and other problems. If you are dealing with dental problems that your general dentist is struggling to treat, ask for a referral to Access Endodontics in Oregon City. Here at Access Endodontics, Dr. Tselnik