What Is Endodontics?

In some instances, people need endodontics. After damaging a tooth or developing an infection, a dentist might recommend a root canal. During the process, they remove pulp and debris from inside the tooth. This also entails reshaping the canal itself. Usually, this treatment works incredibly well. However, there are times when a dentist recommends a more aggressive approach.

Endodontics — beyond a root canal

Root canals are a great way to give patients relief from pain. As a non-invasive procedure, there is virtually no recovery period. Unfortunately, not all root canals produce the wanted results. For those patients, a dentist would make a referral to an endodontist. Using endodontics, this dental professional can do much more for the patient.

An endodontist can find hidden canals, tiny fractures and other issues undetected by X-rays. This type of surgery is also used to treat the damaged surface of roots. An endodontist treats bone around a tooth and removes calcium deposits in the canal as well. In other words, this surgery makes it possible to correct problems beyond what a root canal can do.

Is endodontic surgery painful or harmful?

Thanks to advances in the field of dentistry, endodontists have cutting-edge tools and equipment when performing surgery. These include powerful microscopes and digital imaging. During the procedure, patients do not feel any pain. While there is some discomfort afterward, it does not last long. As far as this surgery causing harm, it does the complete opposite. It allows an endodontist to stop the pain and save a tooth at the same time.

In most cases, endodontics is quick and highly successful. Keep in mind that under endodontics, there are different types of surgeries. One option is an apicoectomy. With this, an endodontist resects the end of the root. Typically, a patient with persistent infection in the bone or ongoing inflammation would have this done.

As a micro-surgical procedure, endodontics is different from other types of oral surgeries. Endodontists use their experience and training to uncover even the smallest defect. Regardless of the type of surgery performed, they make the patient comfortable. Once finished, the patient goes home with instructions to promote faster healing. Most people go back to their normal activities the day after surgery.

Root canals

While much of endodontics consists of oral surgery, it also covers root canals. If a dentist does not have the necessary credentials, they will refer the patient to an endodontist. While still a dentist, this professional has training that allows them to focus on therapies and surgeries. Overall, an endodontist deals with issues having to do with the inner portion of a tooth.

As someone who graduated from dental school plus two to three years of advanced education in endodontics, an endodontist has incredible value. This dental professional, along with a family dentist, focuses on saving teeth. Sometimes, this involves nothing more than filling a cavity. Other times, it involves some type of microscopic surgery. Either way, the patient comes out on the winning side.

Get the help you need

Instead of living with tooth pain, schedule an appointment with your dentist. If necessary, you might need to see an endodontist. Depending on what the dental professional finds, you could require a root canal or some kind of endodontic surgery. Regardless, you can salvage your tooth, eliminate pain and continue to smile big.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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