Endodontics

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Endodontics is a dental specialty that deals with the dental pulp and the tissue surrounding the root of a tooth. Endodontics specializes in soft tissue and the root canal system, which is made of blood vessels and nerve endings. When nerve endings in the tissue surrounding a tooth become damaged or infected, as is often noted by pain, a root canal is the usual method to repair the tooth.

At Chagger Dental, we are a well-rounded team of dental specialists; from General Dentists to Endodontists and everything in between, Chagger Dental is here to care for all your oral health needs.

Symptoms of Damage

Dental symptoms of nerve damage or infection include: severe tooth pain, darkened color of the tooth, unusual sensitivity to heat and cold, swelling, and tenderness or recurring lesions on the gums. However, in some cases, there may be damage or infection present even if there are no symptoms present to indicate a problem. It is for this reason that our dentists are also endodontic specialist. With a specialization in endodontics, our dental team can ensure each tooth in your mouth is at optimal health, from the inside out.

The goal of endodontics is often to save a tooth or teeth. Rather than just pulling out a damaged or diseased tooth, the endodontist will clear the decay and infection in order to protect the tooth’s interior from any further damage. The treatment people associate with endodontists the most is root canals.

Endodontics | Root Canal Therapy

During root canal treatments, a freezing agent is administered to the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. The infected pulp and tissue is then removed from the inside part of the tooth. The chamber where the roots and pulp were held will then be deep cleaned by the endodontist, and any remaining bacteria will be removed. After all traces of infection have been eliminated and the inside part of the tooth is completely dry, the roots and chamber will be filed with gutta-percha, which is a special material. Depending on the exterior tooth’s appearance the endodontist and dentist will work together. The general dentist will complete the treatment through placing a crown on the tooth or another kind of dental restoration in order to protect it.

Surgery may also be performed by an endodontist in order to make corrections to a tooth that didn’t completely heal following a root canal. An endodontist might also perform an apicoectomy, which is a kind of surgery where the tip of the roots of a tooth are removed. Although the work performed by endodontists is frequently associated with severe decay and infection, they may also work on saving teeth that were damaged as the result of an accident. Endodontic care ranges from nonsurgical endodontics such as repairing chipped or cracked teeth in a dental emergency to endodontic surgery such as a root canal. Endodontics is often the first step in your dental care treatment plan for cosmetic dentistry, traumatic dental injuries or restorative dentistry. The ultimate goal of Endodontics is to saving teeth and restoring the natural tooth.

Why do I need Endodontic procedure?

If you are feeling any pain or you have a have experienced injury to your teeth that might affect the dental pulp and roots, endodontic therapy or endodontic surgery may be in order to resort your oral health.

The endodontists at our Chagger Dental clinics have attended the top dental schools in Canada to undergo rigorous dental study and training. We are members of the Ontario Dental Association and Dentists of Canada and are esteemed members of the Royal College of Dentists. Each Chagger Dental Dentist has been hand selected based on their specialized techniques and knowledge of dental medicine. It is the Chagger Dental mission to bring each patient the best oral and maxillofacial care available and make each office visit a positive experience.

Using technology each endodontic treatment or oral and maxillofacial surgery cuts down on unnecessary endodontic retreatments. Of course, to avoid the need for canal treatments or root canal therapy the key to success is to care for your periradicular tissues. A vigilant oral hygiene regimen is of utmost importance to avoid infection and decay. Oral care is also an issue of public health. Taking precautions with not only your own teeth, but others while participating in sports, games or other recreational activities is impartitive. Proper oral hygiene and caution to avoid traumatic dental injuries, is important to prevent dental surgery in your future.

We at Chagger Dental firmly believe in patient education. Talk to your referring doctors about any question or concerns you might have about oral health in general, or about any concerns you may have about the successful completion of your root canal therapy or other endodontic treatments. Call to book an office visit with your local Chagger Dental office today.

Phases of endodontic treatment

Endodontics is a treatment that consists of healing a severely infected tooth. The treatment consists of five phases that begins with an X-ray and diagnosis of the patient’s condition, and ends once the tooth is restored. These are the 5 phases of a root canal:

1. Radiography and diagnosis: The first step of a root canal is to perform an x-ray that will help assess possible involvement of the pulp or nerve of the tooth. This x-ray allows the dentist to make a diagnosis, who will decide what treatment is appropriate.

2. Local anesthesia: The endodontic process begins with the application of local anesthesia to numb the area. Additionally, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to prevent saliva or blood from entering while the root canal is performed.

3. Pulp extraction: To access the nerve and pulp chamber, the tooth is drilled. Pulp, bacteria, and decomposed nerve tissue are removed from the tooth. The sides of the root canals are then scaled and filed. Once done, the remains are removed with chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite.

4. Root sealing: With the tooth completely clean and disinfected, the canals are sealed. A special sealing paste and gutta-percha, a rubber compound, are placed in the root canal of the tooth.

5. Tooth restoration: Usually, teeth that need a root canal also have a fracture or extensive decay. It is often necessary to place a crown, post, or other restoration to protect the tooth and restore it completely. Both for its chewing functions and aesthetically.