Endodontist

Who is an endodontist?

The words “Endo” and “Odont” in translation from Greek mean “the insides of the tooth.” Thus, the endodontist performs the treatment of the insides of the teeth (treatment of canals in the teeth). In its structure, the dental canal system is similar to the structure of a tree root, with a large number of branches, which in some cases are thinner than a hair in thickness. For this reason, in order to extract a microscopic root fragment, endodontists use special operating microscopes.

What is the job of an endodontist?

The standard treatment provided by the endodontist, in most cases, covers only part of the main canal. The technique developed by Dr. Schilder allows you to penetrate into the thinnest canals and clean it from damaged tissues and bacteria (in his work, an endodontist must use a special surgical microscope). Using thin flexible instruments, the doctor brings the root canals into a certain shape, and then fills them with filling materials (gutta-percha).

What diseases does an endodontist treat?

The most common conditions treated by endodontists include:

Pulpitis. Inflammation of the neurovascular bundle of the tooth, which is called the pulp.
Apical periodontitis. Inflammation of the bone around the tooth root, when there is a toothache with swelling in the affected area, a reaction to hot, high body temperature and general malaise.

Symptoms that require an appointment with an endodontist

An appointment with an endodontist is necessary in case of the following symptoms:

Painful (long) reaction to warm and cold food.
Pain when biting food, sensitivity at the moment of touch.
Discoloration of teeth.
Edema, pain at the time of pressure in the area surrounding the gum.
Re-treatment of root canals.
Surgical intervention on the roots of the tooth (perforation, resection).
Injuries to the teeth, roots or apparatus that supports the tooth (fractures of the roots and teeth, tooth dislocations).

What is a cofferdam?

Root canal treatment is performed using a rubber dam (in all cases, without exception). A rubber dam is a thin rubber band worn over the mouth to act as an insulator between the mouth and the tooth being treated. So, with a high degree of probability, it can be argued that if, in the process of cleaning the canals of the teeth, the doctor does not use a rubber dam, the level of treatment provided will be of poor quality. According to modern global standards, if there is no rubber dam in the treatment of dental canals, then such procedures are carried out with serious violations.

Taking x-rays for root canal treatment

Another distinctive feature of endodontic treatment is the obligatory performance of at least two x-rays (diagnostic, which is performed before the start of treatment, for the correct diagnosis, as well as additional x-rays that the doctor may need in particularly difficult situations). It is worth noting that the use of modern X-ray equipment makes the procedure completely safe for the patient.