An Endodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional years of training and education in the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. Endodontists typically perform root canal therapy, root canal retreatment, and Apicoectomy procedures to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. They also have expertise in managing complex cases and treating patients with special needs.
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to remove infected or damaged tissue inside a tooth’s root canal. The root canal is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection.
Root canal therapy is typically recommended when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, trauma, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Symptoms of a damaged pulp include tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, and abscesses.
Root canal therapy is generally not painful. Your dentist or endodontist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth being treated, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Endodontic retreatment (Root canal retreatment) is a procedure used to treat a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy but has become infected or damaged again. During the retreatment, the old filling and sealant material will be removed and the tooth will be re-cleaned, disinfected, and sealed.
A tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy can become infected or damaged again due to new decay, cracks or chips in the tooth, or failure to completely remove all infected or inflamed tissue during the initial root canal therapy.
An Apicoectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat a tooth that has become infected or inflamed at the tip of the root after a root canal therapy has failed. During the procedure, the tip of the root is removed, and the surrounding area is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.
An Apicoectomy is typically recommended when a tooth has become infected or inflamed at the tip of the root after a root canal therapy has failed. Symptoms may include pain, sensitivity, swelling, and abscesses.
An Apicoectomy is generally not painful. Your dentist or endodontist will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth being treated, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the procedure. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days after the procedure, but it may take several weeks for the area to fully heal. Your dentist or endodontist will provide specific aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent complications.
Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and routine dental exams and cleanings can help prevent the need for root canal therapy or Apicoectomy. Avoiding hard or sticky foods and wearing a mouthguard while playing sports or engaging in other activities that could result in dental trauma can also help prevent damage to your teeth.