What is Endodontic Treatment?
Endodontic treatment involves the root canal(s) inside of
the tooth derived from “Endo” the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is the
Greek for “tooth.” To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know
something about the anatomy of the tooth. The body of a tooth is made of dentin
with the crown covered by enamel, one of the hardest substances produced in
nature. Inside the tooth, is a soft tissue called the pulp containing blood
vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which creates the surrounding dentin and
enamel during growth and development?
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of
the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. Although the
pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development, once it is fully
mature the tooth can survive without the pulp.
Who performs
endodontic treatment for injuries to children’s and/or adult’s teeth?
All dentists, including your general dentist, received
training in endodontic treatment in dental school. General dentists can perform
endodontic procedures along with other dental procedures, but often they refer
patients needing endodontic treatment to endodontists. Pediatric dentists also
receive training in the treatment of endodontic issues for primary (baby)
teeth.
Endodontists are dentists with special training in
endodontic procedures. They provide only endodontic services in their practices
because they are specialists. To become specialists, they complete an
additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontic after dental
school. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic
procedures, including endodontic surgery. Endodontists are also
experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult
to diagnose.
How will my injury be
treated?
Chipped teeth account
for the majority of all dental injuries. Dislodged or knocked-out teeth are
examples of less frequent, but more severe injuries. Treatment depends on the
type, location and severity of each injury. Any dental injury involving the
dental pulp of a tooth requires examination by a dentist, pediatric dentist or
an endodontic immediately. Sometimes, neighboring teeth suffer an additional,
unnoticed injury that will only be detected by a thorough dental exam that will
include taking radiographs (x-ray pictures) of the teeth and surrounding bone
structures.
Chipped or Fractured
Teeth: Most chipped or fractured tooth crowns can be repaired either by
reattaching the broken piece or by placing a tooth-colored filling or
restoration. If a significant portion of the tooth crown is broken off, an
artificial crown or “cap” may be needed to restore the tooth.
If the pulp is exposed or damaged after a crown fracture, root
canal treatment may be needed. These injuries require special attention. If
breathing through your mouth or drinking cold fluids is painful, bite on clean
moist gauze or a cloth to help relieve symptoms until reaching your dentist’s
office. Never apply topical oral pain medications or ointments, or place an
aspirin tablet directly to the injured or affected area in the attempt to
eliminate pain symptoms, because they can further damage the pulp.
Injuries to the back teeth often include fractured cusps,
cracked teeth and more seriously a split toot
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