General Information

What is an Endodontist?

An ENDODONTIST is a dentist who has undergone a minimum of two years of extra postgraduate specialist training.  They study root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth, and diagnosis and treatment of more difficult cases. For this reason, many dentists choose to refer their patients to an endodontist. 

Your general / cosmetic dentist will sometimes refer a patient for consultation when the diagnosis is complicated or when treatment is more difficult than normal.  In addition to providing treatment, DR. RUSSELL is also committed to patient education.  It is important that patients understand why they require treamtent, what the treatment involves, and what they can do to ensure the best possible outcome.  DR. RUSSELL believes that a properly informed patient has the best chance of achieving the optimal result.

What is Endodontics?

ENDODONTICS is a specialty of Dentistry that deals with diseases of the dental pulp and its supporting structures. Endodontists are Dentists with special post-graduate training in this field. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.

Although General Dentists can perform Endodontic treatment, patients are often referred to an Endodontist when the case is complicated or more difficult than usual.
 
In order to understand Endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of a tooth. Teeth have several layers. The outside layer of the tooth is composed of a hard layer called Enamel. Enamel is supported by an inner layer called Dentin, which has at its center a soft tissue known as the Pulp.

The dental pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that are responsible for forming the surrounding Dentin and Enamel during tooth development. The pulp receives its nourishment supply from vessels which enter the end of the root. Although the pulp is important during development of the tooth, it is not necessary for function of the tooth. The tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it even after the pulp is removed.

There are, of course, no guarantees.  Root canal or Endodontic therapy has a very high degree of success, up to 90%.  We will discuss with you the chances of success before any Endodontic procedure to help you make an informed decision. 

Why Do I Need Endodontic Treatment?

ENDODONTIC TREATMENT or ROOT CANAL TREATMENT is necessary when the DENTAL PULP becomes inflamed or infected. The most common reasons for inflammation or infection are deep cavities (caries), repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips. Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discoloration of the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

Signs and Symptoms

Indications for treatment include;
1.  Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold.
2.  Discoloration of the tooth.
3.  Swelling or tenderness of the tooth or adjacent gums.
4.  Sometimes there are no symptoms and the first sign of a problem maybe evident on a radiograph.

How Can Endodontic Treatment help me?

DR. RUSSELL removes the inflammed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the canal system and then seals the prepared space. Most treatment is now performed in a single appointment ranging from 30-90 minutes (depending on the number of canals). Once treatment is completed, you may be instructed to return to your dentist for permanent restoration. The restoration of the tooth is an important part of treatment because it seals the cleaned canals from the oral environment, protects the tooth and restores it to function.

Retreatment

Occasionally a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment fails to heal or pain continues despite therapy. Although rare, sometimes a tooth initially responds to root canal therapy but becomes painful or diseased months or years later. When either of these situations occur, the tooth often can be maintained with a second endodontic treatment.