What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a dental specialty that deals with the pulp and tissues around the tooth’s root. Endodontists conduct root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, fractured tooth treatment, surgery, and dental trauma treatment. The most prevalent is root canal treatment. Endodontic treatment includes removing nerve tissues, blood vessels, and other biological entities, cleaning, decontaminating, and contouring hollows with small files.
Filling Material
After pulp tissue removal, the usual filling material is gutta-percha, a non-elastic latex derived from the Percha tree. The existence of severe abscesses requiring treatment made root canal one of the most necessary dental endodontic procedures. However, modern advancements have made it a rather pleasant operation, using a local anesthetic during the procedure and pain medication afterward.
Dental Crowns
To protect the tooth from further damage, a crown may be placed over the root canal. Root canal-treated teeth are more fragile than non-treated teeth and need additional care. A cusp or crown seals the tooth, extending its life. Many individuals think root canal teeth cannot deteriorate; nevertheless, they are susceptible to the same risks as other teeth. Therefore, regular dental care procedures should be performed on all teeth. It’s important to point out that endodontics is a dentistry specialty that deals with the diagnosis, surgery, and treatment of infected teeth.
In addition to root canal therapy, endodontists conduct endodontic retreatment, fractured tooth treatment, surgery, and dental trauma treatment. The most prevalent is root canal treatment. Nerve tissues, blood vessels, and other biological entities, in addition to cleaning, decontaminating, while contouring hollows with small files occurs.
Pulp Tissue
Endodontics is also the practice of removing pulp tissues from teeth (pulpectomy). It is done when a tooth is threatened by decay, cracking, or infection. The dentist first drills into the pulp chamber, removes the diseased pulp, and then uses a prolonged needle-shaped exercise to extract the nerve from the root canal. After removing the tooth’s nerves and blood supply, a crown is recommended.
Dr. Craig Berry of Long Island Endodontics Recommends…
Here are four things Dr. Craig Berry wants patients to know to encourage more frequent (and cheaper) dental appointments.
Not all root canals hurt. According to Dr. Berry., almost 40% of the time, a nerve dies in a tooth before a dentist collects radiographs and conducts diagnostic tests. A “dead nerve” and germs within the tooth produce various symptoms in different people, so discomfort doesn’t necessarily mean a root canal is needed.
Root-canal issues. Endodontists reach the affected tooth’s interior via the chewing surface to remove decay and germs. A crown protects the tooth against fracture or leaking after this procedure. The mouth is a hostile environment due to the chewing forces and constant temperature and chemical changes.
Do I need to treat an infected tooth? Compromised teeth may be asymptomatic. That a patient isn’t in pain now doesn’t imply they won’t be tomorrow. An infected tooth may cause bone loss, discomfort, swelling, and, in severe instances, hospitalization due to systemic infection. Dr. Berry believes root canal infection is usually isolated.
Prevent cavities. When a deep cavity approaches the nerve, a root canal is required. While good dental hygiene helps, it does not ensure a person’s immunity from cavities.
Dr. Berry advises patients to have semi-annual dental exams and x-rays to detect cavities early, avoiding the need for root canals. Most importantly, he wants patients to understand that dentistry is not optional.
After the Root Canal
Discomfort may occur after root canal therapy. Taking acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin generally relieves pain. Your physician may prescribe or suggest pain and/or infection medicines.
If the discomfort lasts more than a few days, or if there is significant swelling, contact your dentist.
After-hours emergencies should be directed to 319-356-1616. Ask for the on-call endodontist. If seen, emergency room and dental treatment fees will apply.
A permanent repair (silver filling, composite filling, or crown) helps avoid bacterial contamination and tooth breakage. A permanent repair is not included in the root canal treatment cost.
Reminders. Every 6-12 months, the root canal procedure, permanent filling, and/or crown are checked for healing.
Speak With Dr. Berry
Call Dr. Berry today at 516-667-1471 or contact him online.
