The most common endodontic procedure performed is root canal therapy. Endodontic treatment is required to save the tooth if the pulp, which contains nerves, arterioles, venules, lymphatic tissue and fibrous tissue, becomes diseased or injured.
What Do Endodontists Do?
Endodontists are qualified dentists who have two additional years of education and specialized training in the care and treatment of tooth pulp and the inner parts of the tooth. If a root canal is required, a dentist often refers the patient to an Endodontist for treatment.
Endodontic Treatment
Root canal treatment and root canal therapy involve the removal of the diseased pulp along with the tooth’s nerve, which is located within a tooth’s root canal. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of your tooth are then cleaned, medicated and sealed. A dental crown or other restorative treatment is used to protect and strengthen the tooth.
After reviewing an x-ray of your tooth, your Endodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure, recommend a treatment plan, discuss it with you, and answer your questions. Root canal treatment is completed in one or two office visits, depending on the presence of infection and the required treatment plan. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth. With good oral hygiene, the restored tooth can last a lifetime.
