Types of Oral Procedures Performed by Endodontists

Jan 01, 2021

Like most medical terms, the word endodontist was also derived from Greek words: ‘endo,’ meaning on the inside, and ‘odont,’ which means tooth. Most endodontic procedures are carried out on the inner soft tissues of the patient’s teeth, known as the pulp. Although all dental practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat various oral issues, some can be quite difficult to treat or even diagnose. This is one of the reasons why your dentist may refer you to a specialist like an endodontist.

To become an endodontist, he/she must complete his/her studies in a dental school, and then the graduate has to enroll for further studies for two more years to perfect the skills required in this form of treatment. During this study period, the learners are taught root canal procedures and techniques in depth. This will help them make a diagnosis and come up with the right treatment when there are patients with difficult cases.

Commonly Performed Endodontic Procedures

  • Root canal

A root canal is the commonest endodontic procedure performed in the world. This procedure best fits people who have damaged teeth that need to be saved or otherwise removed. A root canal is usually recommended when the tooth pulp is infected or inflamed as a result of suffering from deep cavities, injuries, or fractures.

When left untreated, the infection or inflammation could eventually lead to a dental abscess, severe discomfort, pain, and tooth loss. The symptoms associated with this condition vary from one individual to another, but here are some common ones:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Gum swelling
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Throbbing pain
  • Gum tenderness

Since the symptoms don’t always manifest clearly, an x-ray may be needed to improve the diagnosis quality. If any sign that may indicate an infection in the pulp is detected, the procedure will be recommended.

  • Apicoectomy

Although root canal procedures are efficient in saving an infected or an inflamed tooth, sometimes the tooth that is operated on and its surrounding tissues fails to heal. When this happens, you’ll need to undergo a procedure called an apicoectomy to save your tooth.

During this procedure, an incision will be made in your gum tissues to create an opening that leads to your underneath bone. The tiny opening allows your oral care provider to remove all the infected parts and clean your root tip. When this is completed, your tooth root will then be sealed by a filling.

Local anesthesia will be used during the procedure to keep you comfortable and relaxed. You will also be required to make regular appointments afterward so that your dentist can check your gums’ healing progress and remove any sutures that may be present.

The Difference Between Oral Surgeons and Endodontists

Like regular dentists, both oral surgeons and endodontists’ objectives are to care for the teeth, mouth, and gums. Although all dental experts share the same goals, the training each has undergone is different from the other. For instance, endodontists are known to conduct the best root canal therapy procedures.

Tooth sensitivity, swollen gums, and tooth pain are some of the main reasons why an individual may decide to see an endodontist. Patients suffering from the named conditions can visit a dental office that has an endodontist for the following restorative treatments:

  • Endodontic surgery
  • Dental implants
  • Root canal therapy
  • Traumatic oral injury treatment
  • Endodontic re-treatment

In most cases, general dentists will effectively conduct these procedures, but if your case is complicated, you are likely to get a referral to a specialist.

On the other hand, your dental practitioner may refer you to a reputable oral surgeon if your condition requires the following procedures:

  • TMJ surgery
  • Sinus lift
  • Bone graft
  • Dental extraction

Why Do You Need a Specialist?

If you have a severe oral issue, oral experts recommend going to someone who has a lot of experience in the field and with years of practice as they tend to have extensive knowledge than those who are new in the field. Specialists also have additional training that they acquired from the advanced studies they undertook.

Are you looking for a dental specialist who provides endodontic therapy or root canal treatment? Look no more because we at Copper Vista Dental Care have your back. Book an appointment with us today and get quality services from our medical team.

928-425-8175 Book Now
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