Endodontics is the science of treating problems with the tissue inside the tooth. When this tissue or the tissue surrounding the tooth root is diseased or damaged due to decay or trauma, endodontic treatment typically can save the tooth.
Patients may need endodontic treatment, including root canals, if they experience any of the following symptoms: prolonged dental sensitivity to heat or cold; tenderness of teeth to touch and chewing; facial or oral swelling Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp and the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. The scope of endodontics includes, but is not limited to, the differential diagnosis and treatment of oral pains of pulpal and/or periapical origin; vital pulp therapy such as pulp capping and pulpotomy; nonsurgical treatment of root canal systems with or without periradicular pathosis of pulpal origin, and the obturation of these root canal systems; selective surgical removal of pathological tissues resulting from pulpal pathosis; intentional replantation and replantation of avulsed teeth; surgical removal of tooth structure such as root-end resection, hemisection and root resection; implants; bleaching of discoloured dentin and enamel (teeth); retreatment of teeth previously treated endodontically; and treatment procedures related to coronal restorations by means of post and/or cores involving the root canal space.
What is an Endodontist?
Endodontists are dentists with special training in diagnosis and treating oral and facial pain, and problems associated with the inside of the tooth.
Endodontists employ a range of endodontic procedures to save natural teeth, including performing root canals (the most common endodontic procedure), repairing cracked teeth and replacing avulsed teeth (teeth knocked out by injury).
An Endodontist is a Dental Specialist who has successfully completed two or more years of advanced training in the scope of endodontics. The Dentist has received a certificate in endodontics from an advanced educational program accredited by the Canadian Dental Association and Alberta Dental Association and College. The Endodontic Specialist is responsible for the advancement of endodontic knowledge through research, transmission of information concerning the most recent advances in biologically acceptable procedures and materials, and the education of the public as to the importance of endodontics in keeping the dentition in a physiologically functional state for the maintenance of oral and systemic health. Endodontists examine, diagnose and treat diseases and negative development of the dental pulp and the tissues of the teeth.
Why is this important to you?
There is more to dentistry than the appearance of your teeth. As part of your body, your teeth play an important role in your overall health. Your teeth are made up of more than the parts you see; they have nerves, roots and unique features. They grow and develop—they are things you want to keep for life. An Endodontist can work with you to keep your important, unique teeth.
Suggested links:
Canadian Academy of Endodontics
American Association of Endodontists
