If you are facing dental problems such as tooth decay, pulp and root canal problems you need to visit a dental specialty called endodontics.
The term endodontist can be described as a specialist dentist. Just like many healthcare terms, the word “endodontics” comes from Greek, and actually means “inside tooth”.
Endodontists are the dentists who specialize in the care of the inside of the tooth. Some times you visit a dentist and he suggests visiting an endodontist if the inside of your tooth becomes infected or injured.
Know about the anatomy of a tooth.
In order to take better care of your teeth, the folks at Blue Star Dental believe that it is helpful if you know the anatomy of the teeth. Starting from the outside, your outer teeth is made of enamel, a glass-like material and the inside of your tooth is made of softer stuff.
A porous layer is present under the enamel is called dentin. Under the dentin, the next is the pulp. It is made up of blood vessels and nerve endings that nourish the teeth and give the sensation. The pulp is found in the hollow space in the middle of the tooth called root canal. If the pulp becomes inflamed or damaged then endodontists often use root canal terms for different treatment procedures.
Endodontists are more educated than dentists
It takes a lot of extra education and training to become a specialized endodontist. Most of the general and family dentists can diagnose and treat endodontic issues but when the condition of your teeth becomes complex, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist.
Endodontists undergo an additional two years of dental education, studying the latest advanced techniques like microscopic endodontics in root canal treatment to help them provide the best possible result in complex cases.
Endodontists don’t just treat Root Canal problems
The main reason why people need a root canal is tooth decay. A tooth decays, then the cavities due to the decay become very deep through the enamel and dentin. Ultimately your pulp is exposed to bacteria. These bacteria grow and multiply every second causing swelling and toothache. Your endodontist uses an endodontic microscope to find this out and recommends root canal treatment.
But, this is not the only thing that endodontists do. Here are other treatments are done by endodontists:
- Endodontic retreatment: It is required when a previous root canal treatment fails or the tooth develops new problems after the first root canal treatment.
- Saving a tooth: When a tooth has been dislodged or completely knocked out of its socket due to trauma or injury. Then an endodontist repositions and possibly stabilizes the tooth by splinting it to adjacent teeth. After this, root canal therapy is done. Now, the tooth can then heal and tighten in its socket.
- Endodontic surgery: In some extreme cases where traditional root canal therapy cannot save a tooth, an endodontic surgery is required.
These are some major cases where you need to see an endodontist to save your teeth and get relieved from the pain.
