Endodontists are dental specialists in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral pain and disease that originates from within the tooth.
Root canal therapy involves the removal of diseased tissue, the repair of root structures, and the retreatment of teeth previously endodontically treated.
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A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, and well over 14 million treatments are done in North America every year. This simple treatment can save damaged or infected natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the pulp (soft tissue, nerves and vessels) from inside the tooth. Once the pulp chamber and canal are cleaned, they are filled and sealed with a natural rubber-like material called gutta percha, and a temporary filling is placed. Upon completion of the root canal it is necessary to see a general dentist for a permanent restoration of either a filling or a crown.
Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save a tooth with an injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth, and your endodontist will recommend a root end surgery, or apicoectomy. Endodontic surgery can also be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth.
With the appropriate care, teeth that have had endodontic treatment will last as long as other natural teeth: however a tooth that has received endodontic treatment may fail to heal, or pain may continue to exist. This pain may be experienced months, or even years after the original treatment, and if so, Endodontic Retreatment may be necessary.
Cracked teeth demonstrate many types of symptoms, including pain when chewing, temperature sensitivities, or even the release of biting pressure. It is also common for pain to come and go, making it difficult to diagnose the cause of discomfort. The type of treatment recommended would depend on the type, location, and extent of the crack.
Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets, making it necessary for an endodontist or general dentist to reposition and stabilize these teeth. Root canal treatment is normally started within a few weeks of the injury, and a medication such as calcium hydroxide, will be placed inside the tooth until the eventual implanting of a permanent root canal filling.
