In the world of dentistry, there is often a vocabulary that can seem a little complicated to ordinary people, so it is worth defining certain terms to grasp their full scope and meaning.
This is the case of endodontics, which we invite to better understand in order to specify its meaning and the corresponding treatment. We tell you more about this discipline of dentistry.
However, it’s good to know that this treatment will be very well explained to you at the Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville. As this is a very common practice, oral health professionals will answer all your questions before starting the procedure.
A Definition Is Needed!
Endodontics is a dental specialty that involves the treatment of the internal tissues of the tooth, called the pulp or nerve.
More specifically, endodontics concerns the treatment of dental root canals. In fact, the roots of all teeth contain channels, like small tunnels, in which the dental pulp is located.
This discipline includes procedures such as performing a root canal, which involves removing infected or necrotic pulp from a tooth, then cleaning and filling it. We will come back to this later.
The goal of endodontics is therefore to preserve the natural tooth and keep it in place in the mouth to allow normal chewing and preserve the aesthetics of the smile.
Why Call on Such a Professional?
There are many reasons why you may need to seek the help of an endodontic professional. Here are some examples to illustrate our point:
- A deep cavity that has reached the pulp of the tooth, causing an infection
- Dental trauma that has damaged the pulp of the tooth
- A devitalized tooth (root canal treatment), but continues to be sensitive or cause pain
- A tooth that has been repaired but continues to be tender or cause pain.
In these cases, your professional may be able to treat the tooth by performing a root canal to remove the infected or necrotic pulp and clean and fill the tooth’s canals. This helps preserve the natural tooth and relieve pain or discomfort.
How Is the Treatment Carried Out?
The dentist performs endodontic treatment of a tooth when it can no longer be kept alive.
To do so, the dentist usually performs local anesthesia to avoid pain. An adequate opening is made at the occlusal surface of the tooth, to access the cameral and root pulp. By filing down teeth and using antiseptic solution, root canal is cleaned and disinfected. Then, after drying, your dentist fills the roots with a specific paste.
In some cases, the tooth could be reconstituted, either with a coronary filling if this tooth is not too affected, or by a reconstruction (crown) if it is too damaged, to ensure the tightness of the treatment and prevent the root from being once again infected by bacteria.
It is important to note that technological advances now make it possible to intervene painlessly with the patient.
How Long Is the Treatment?
Generally, endodontic treatment can be performed in a single session, except in the case of a necrotic or painful tooth. In this more specific case, it will be necessary to schedule two appointments.
What to Do After the Treatment?
It is often recommended not to eat on the treated tooth for about a week, as there may be an inflammatory reaction related to the healing of the bone, which usually occurs two days after treatment.
Afterwards, you will be able to chew your food normally.
A Trusted Team for Your Endodontic Treatment
At Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville, professionals have extensive training and experience in treating dental pulp issues.
Consequently, they are best placed to choose the appropriate treatment for your situation. They also use the latest techniques and cutting-edge technologies to help preserve and save healthy teeth whenever possible and thereby relieve your pain.
If your dentist now tells you about a root canal, know that scientific vocabulary refers to endodontics. If he uses this term to describe your treatment, you now know what it’s all about!
Trust a team of professionals. Make an appointment now for your annual check-up and oral cleaning. The Centre Dentaire & d’Implantologie Boucherville, a trusted team!