To keep teeth healthy, endodontic treatment is essential. Due to the capability of endodontists to treat tooth infections, gum inflammation, and toothache, the brand has become an important field of medical science. Though most people think endodontics is about treatment for the tooth root, including root canal therapies. The field is broad and advanced, applying the use of next-generation innovative technologies such as imaging, micro pulp vitality tests, and CBCT (cone beam computed tomography).
As the major tooth decay starts with a simple toothache, ignoring it can lead to major problems. A toothache is caused by underlying conditions like gum recession, inflammation, and infection in the tooth pulp. It not only affects the teeth but also spreads to other tissues that become compromised and decay, causing mental trauma, cracks, and ENT infections. The endodontic treatments save the natural teeth’s health, which may require extraction in a later stage due to significant damage. Endodontic dentistry is crucial in preserving the function and beauty of natural human tooth structure, helping patients live a healthy life for longer. The modern micro-endodontics focuses on the utilisation of the most advanced technologies, such as CT scans, microscopes, and electric pulp diagnosis for precise assessment of the condition. This helps in individualised intervention, preserving the tooth and ensuring correct root canal procedures that are less painful and far quicker than generalised dentistry.
An endodontist diagnoses, treats, and ensures proper rehabilitation of patients affected with tooth root problems. They also treat toothache caused by inflammation, perform root canal procedures, and offer retreatment in cases where the treatment requires multi-stage procedures. They generally keep operating microscopes for micro-endodontic precision, manage cracked teeth, and dental trauma. In addition, they offer an apicoectomy for endodontic treatments. Their specialisation helps in the preservation of natural teeth through advanced endodontics, preventing extraction, and also providing the best restorative care.
Dentists are known for broad oral care, such as plaque removal, basic root canal procedures, and examination for filling cavities, and cosmetic treatments like placing a crown. They also educate on oral hygiene and nutrition for certain dental conditions. However, an endodontist works on dental endodontics through micro or advanced endodontic treatment. They also perform advanced surgeries for the restoration of natural teeth and help manage dental trauma or genetic deformities.
The endodontist cost varies according to the stage of treatment for your tooth, case complexity, personalised attention, and diagnostic requirements. Generally speaking, specialist attention is more expensive than general treatments in endodontics. It is very important to consult the endodontist at an early stage of the problem with one’s tooth to prevent root extraction later, which may cost more.
Endodontic treatments matter more because of the endodontic therapy and root canal procedures. They help in maintaining natural teeth aesthetics and the prevention of further infection, which may be spread to other vital organs. Replacement options like dental implants and dental bridges are far costly and take longer, and they cannot provide the function of natural human teeth, causing long-term oral health issues.
An endodontist uses general specialised dental care tools for diagnosing the condition and extent of the tooth root. Then, he performs the procedure to treat the condition. In case of advanced endodontic needs, they recommend diagnostics like CBCT and X-rays for further intervention according to your problem.
Endodontics is a specialised field of medicine that provides basic to advanced care for the tooth root, while root canal treatment is the specific procedure to restore and treat infection in the root canal.
Nowadays, endodontists are specialised in advanced endodontic procedures to provide non-invasive treatment. However, some complex cases may cause initial pain while being diagnosed. For surgeries, powerful anaesthesia is given before the procedure so patients don’t feel the pain.
When you sense unusual tooth pain that persists longer, you must see an endodontist. You can also consult them for a variety of tooth root problems, damage, cavities, and root and pulp infections. They also treat genetic deformities related to the tooth root.
It varies person to person and according to treatment requirements. Generally, they don’t last for more than a few minutes to hours in basic endodontics.
Endodontic treatments ensure specialised care for tooth root issues and prevent root extraction in the latter stage.
Endodontic dentistry includes dental care with specialisation in root treatments, from general to advanced levels.
A dentist specialises in broad spectrum dental care, while an endodontist specialises in advanced and micro endodontic treatment that includes root canal therapy, surgeries, diagnostics, infection treatment, and regenerative procedures.
No, most endodontists charge a similar consultation fee to a dentist; however, they provide more advanced and specialised care.