What is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on complex tooth problems that primarily affect tooth pulp. Tooth “pulp” is what dental providers call the nerves, blood vessels and other tissues deep inside each tooth. When you look in the mirror, the part of your teeth you see is an outer layer called enamel.

Endodontists use advanced techniques to treat dental pulp and root issues. Your root is the part of your tooth that extends below your gums and holds your tooth in place. Endodontists focus on relieving tooth or mouth pain while saving your natural tooth whenever possible.

There are various different types of procedures which comes under endodontics. Some of them are discussed below.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to remove inflamed or infected pulp on the inside of the tooth which is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth.

Fillings

A root canal filling is a way of keeping a tooth, once the live part (the pulp) has become irreversibly damaged. The pulp is a mixture of nerve fibres and tiny blood vessels that can become very inflamed (giving tooth ache) or die off (causing an abscess). This can happen either in the presence of tooth decay or after a heavy blow to the tooth.

The aim of the procedure is to painlessly remove the damaged pulp, under local anaesthetic, and remove any infection that may be present. Once the canals have been cleaned and shaped they are filled with a special filling material. This work is usually carried out over two visits of up to 90 minutes a time. Once the root canal filling is in place, the crown of the tooth is restored with a large filling or cast restoration.

Composite Restoration

A composite restoration is a tooth colored filling most often placed in a tooth as a result of dental decay (cavities). Tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults.  Often, the best treatment for cavities is to have a composite restoration placed. A composite restoration provides a strong bond to natural teeth with minimal tooth removal. Timely placement of a composite restoration can help prevent pain, root canals, tooth loss, spreading of decay to other teeth, and other deleterious outcomes.

Common reasons to see an endodontist

Endodontists primarily treat damaged tooth pulp or root tissues arising from the following causes:

  • Tooth decay: the breakdown of a tooth that results from poor teeth and gum care (oral hygiene). You may see an endodontist if an untreated cavity damages your tooth’s root tissues. Tooth decay can cause inflammation (pulpitis) or even death (necrosis) and infection in the pulp tissue.
  • Tooth injuries: Trauma affecting your tooth (such as from a hard fall).
  • Tooth abscess: A buildup of pus that forms when bacteria gets inside your tooth or gums.
  • Cracked tooth: Damage to your tooth that allows an opening for bacteria to get inside.