Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth root, dental pulp, and surrounding tissue. Its goal is to treat and prevent disorders that could lead to the loss of teeth. Simply put, endodontics is the science of saving teeth. Specialization in endodontics requires two to three years of study in addition to dental school, plus frequent continuing education courses to keep the endodontist up-to-date with the latest research and development in their field.

Root Canal

The most common procedure performed by an endodontist and the one he/she is probably best known for is the so-called "root canal." During the root canal procedure, the endodontist removes damaged pulp from within the root canal of a tooth. This treatment is required when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to tooth decay, tooth cracks, or repeated dental work on the same tooth. Unusual tooth sensitivity to heat, cold, or touch, as well as sensitivity in the lymph nodes, surrounding bone, or gingival tissues all can be signs indicating the need for endodontic treatment.

The endodontist will remove the inflamed tissue and clean out the root canal, and afterwards send you back to your dentist, who will then restore the treated tooth with a crown for protection.

Tooth Avulsion

In addition to root canals, endodontics also deals with knocked-out teeth or "tooth avulsion." Tooth avulsion is the most severe of tooth luxation injuries. The tooth is completely displaced from the alveolar bone (the bone containing the tooth sockets). The endodontist tries to salvage the lost tooth.

Avulsed primary teeth (or "baby teeth" as they are more commonly called), do not need to be re-implanted, since another tooth will grow in. However, avulsed permanent teeth need to be re-implanted immediately and are considered a dental emergency. If the tooth is re-implanted within 5 minutes of the avulsion, the healing rate is between 85 and 97 percent. If re-implantation occurs after 60 minutes, the tooth rarely heals.

If you or a family member experiences the loss of a permanent tooth, refer to our tooth loss guidelines to re-implant the tooth and call our office immediately to see your dentist. This is a dental emergency!