What is Endodontics?

A dentist who specializes in keeping teeth healthy through endodontic therapy or treatment is known as in endodontist. To know what is endodontics, we should notice that its primarily focus is on the soft inner tissue of the teeth known as the pulp. While all dentists are trained to some degree in the diagnosis, treatment and therapy associated with endodontic care, some teeth require the more specialized services that are made available by an endodontic care provider. This is typically the case when working with teeth that are exceedingly difficult to either diagnose or treat. When this is indeed the case a general dental care provider will refer a patient to an endodontic specialist.

Root Canal Techniques

An endodontist fulfills additional educational requirements beyond the completion of regular dental school. In fact, this type of specialist will receive two or more years of advanced training and education that focuses specifically on this kind of treatment. The main focus of this additional study involves all aspects of detailed root canal techniques, treatment and procedures. This allows an endodontist to effectively diagnose and treat exceedingly difficult cases. Not surprisingly, a growing number of general care dentists are choosing to refer their patients to endodontists as a way to ensure the highest level of complete quality care.

Local Anesthetic

When a patient receives endodontic treatment or what is known as a root canal there are certain things that will occur. For example, the first thing that will happen is that the patient will be given a local anesthetic. Next, a rubber dam or sheet of latex is placed around the tooth that is to be treated. This isolates the tooth and keeps it clean and dry throughout the entire duration of the treatment. Typically speaking, root canal therapy requires more than one visit to an endodontist but this ultimately depends on each patient's unique case. Many cases may require two visits while others could require three or more.

Complexity of Treatment

One major determining factor regarding how many treatments will be required is the level of inflammation or infection that the patient is experiencing. In addition, the complexity of treatment that is needed may also dictate how many visits are required of the patient. Endodontic care is considered nonsurgical in nature and enjoys a very high success rate. A patient experiencing painful toothaches or one who has a cracked or fractured tooth may benefit considerably from endodontic care. This is simply due to the fact that a diseased or damaged tooth can affect the complex network of nerves in the mouth causing mild to chronic or severe pain. An endodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pain of this nature.

Retreatment Required

An endodontist may also treat traumatic injuries that result in damage to the pulp located within the tooth. In addition, there are many scenarios where an endodontist may actually be able to save a tooth that would otherwise have been lost. This is especially true with regard to cases where there has been some kind of strong blow to the mouth. Another important aspect of endodontic care that should never be overlooked is the procedures that are able to replant teeth that have been knocked loose from their socket. Finally, in some cases a patient may require retreatment. This is when a tooth that has received endodontic treatment does not heal as anticipated. Understanding what endodontic care is helps patients to make more informed decisions and to enjoy better dental health. Contact your dentist in Walnut Creek, Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Dental Implant Solutions to learn more.

References:
[1] Root Canal Procedure Explained
[2] Root Canal is Virtually Painless
[3] Nitrous Oxide And Other Sedation Methods