Although the term ‘endodontistry’ may not be overly familiar to most people, the specific treatments that these health professionals perform are. Endodontics is a distinctive branch of dentistry that focuses on the inner workings of your teeth – more specifically, the pulp.
Endodontists receive several more years of training compared to general dentists. During this time, they acquire detailed knowledge of your oral anatomy, which includes your teeth, gum structure, and bones. Not only are these professionals able to diagnose and treat problems related to your tooth’s pulp but can also help prevent and educate patients on how to adopt healthy habits.
For more information about endodontic procedures and what they entail, contact a dentist.
Root Canal Therapy
Two endodontic procedures are performed more frequently than others; the first is a root canal.
A root canal is a process that’s done to save as much of your tooth as possible. Located in the middle of all your teeth is what’s known as the pulp. It’s a fleshy sack that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this is infected, it can cause chronic sensitivity, pain, and tooth decay amongst other issues.
Receiving root canal therapy in Saskatoon is a great option to consider so you can get your oral health back on track. When you come in, your dentist will first evaluate your teeth and gums and take several dental x-rays in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of what needs to be treated.
Next, they’ll administer a local anesthetic injection to keep you calm and then proceed to remove the infected pulp. This is done by drilling a hole into your tooth. The infection will be scraped out and then the hole that’s been left behind will be fully sealed. You’ll be given a temporary dental crown before you leave.
Once the permanent crown is made at the dental lab, you’ll return to have it placed. Your dentist will ensure that everything is normal with your bite.
Receiving root canal treatment provides protection and strength to your tooth as well as your overall smile. To learn more about this process, get in touch with our local dental clinic today!
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is another common endodontic treatment. Your dentist in Saskatoon will most likely recommend this procedure if a root canal is not suitable enough. An apicoectomy focuses on healing not just an infected tooth, but the surrounding tissues that are likely to suffer damage as well. Your teeth and gums are very interconnected, and it’s important that both entities are able to recover.
This procedure involves making a small cut into your gums to access the bone located underneath. A second cut is made into the bone itself so that the infected root is exposed. Once all the infected tissues have been removed, the site will be cleaned and sealed. Special dental sutures are used to sew up your gums.
Your dentist will administer local anesthesia for this procedure as well. You will also have to return for a follow-up appointment to have your sutures removed, and so that your dentist can see how your mouth is fairing.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your dentists. Here at Brighton Dental, we take your oral health seriously and our staff will do everything they can to ensure that you remain comfortable and calm through the treatment.
If you’re looking to receive convenient endodontic treatment, call or visit our website today! We look forward to walking with you on your dental journey!