Endodontist Procedures
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Basics
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An endodontist specializes in providing patients with root canals. The dental practitioner works with the inside of the teeth; endo is Greek for inside, and odont is Greek for tooth. When the pulp inside of a tooth becomes damaged or infected, endodontic treatment is required to treat the area. Root damage is the result of tooth decay, chipped or broken teeth and numerous dental procedures causing the weakening of the outer layer of tooth enamel. A toothache results once the area become inflamed. Untreated infection can lead to an abscess, fever or blood infections. An endodontist removes the infected pulp by drilling out the core of the tooth. The cavity is replaced with filler and usually a crown.
Triggers
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Patients can recognize the need for endodontic treatment when persistent pain occurs and the area becomes sensitive to cold and heat. The tooth may become discolored or begin draining into the lymph nodes. Interior cavities often are caught on X-ray, because the patient may feel no symptoms. When the tooth structure below the gum is too weak to support reconstruction, a metal post is inserted to hold the new crown. Some of the original tooth is retained to help support the jaw and maintain chewing abilities.
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Treatment
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Most dentists also receive training as endodontists, although some specialize in the treatment of root canal therapy and receive referrals from those with general dentistry practices. Often the endodontists will treat the infection with a round of antibiotics for a week to ten days before drilling the tooth. Local anesthesia numbs the mouth, so little pain should be felt during the drilling. Once the root nerve is removed along with the excess pulp, a patient should never feel pain in that area again. The filler is cemented in the cavity to secure it. A temporary filling is placed over the opening until the patient makes arrangements for a permanent crown to be attached. Once a root canal is complete, the tooth cannot be used for chewing until a permanent crown is in place. A crown or cap over the tooth acts just as a normal tooth following the procedure.
Costs
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Root canals can be expensive and are usually covered at 50 percent on most dental insurance plans. A complete restoration with root treatment and crown can run between $1,500 and $3,000. Generally, dentists prefer to perform endodontic treatment rather than extract the tooth to prevent the other teeth from shifting, creating larger issues in the future. Implants, bridges and other fillers for lost teeth can end up being much more expensive in the long run, which is one reason to follow dental advice and save a tooth whenever possible.
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Resources
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