Dentistry, just like medicine, science, and sports, contains fields that professionals can specialize in. Orthodontics and endodontics are two prominent examples.
Most of us have heard of orthodontics and know that these are dental professionals who work to help you correct your bit and unaligned teeth. As for endodontics, while this term may sound foreign, all of us are familiar with the work these individuals do even if we’re unaware of it. Endodontists focus on root canal therapy.
Endodontists are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the inner networks of your teeth, including your nerves and blood vessels, as well as how dental pain can manifest and how it needs to be treated. Endodontists are also qualified at administering various degrees of anesthesia during procedures.
It’s not uncommon at all for endodontists to work closely at the same practice as a general dentist in Saskatoon.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that entails drilling through the enamel and the dentin of your tooth should be “down to the pulp”, which is where the nerves are located. If you require this treatment, this means your pulp has become infected or is experiencing decay, so it needs to be scraped out in order for your tooth to recover.
This process is done because a mature tooth is able to function without its pulp since your neighbouring teeth and vessels can provide blood to it.
Typically, root canal therapy is performed on our back teeth, meaning our molars and premolars, as these are the hardest to brush.
What Does a Visit to an Endodontist in Saskatoon Entail?
Prior to any procedure, your endodontist in Saskatoon will evaluate your teeth to determine what needs to be done and whether a root canal is indeed the best course of action.
Receiving a root canal often requires two visits in total. During the first appointment, your endodontist will apply a numbing agent to the target area in your mouth before doing any physical work to reduce your pain. Next, they’ll create a hole in your tool and remove the unhealthy pulp. You’ll then be given a temporary crown to protect the exposed tooth.
When your mouth has had adequate time to heal, you’ll return for a second visit to receive a permanent crown. Dental crowns are added to ensure that your tooth is well protected and supported. Crowns can be metal or be made to blend in with your other teeth; it’s up to you which you prefer.
Visiting an endodontist or even a general dentist in Saskatoon for an initial consultation about the state of your teeth may be costly, but this is a permanent solution that is designed to provide support to your teeth and help you carry on as you would in your everyday life. Not to mention that this procedure is highly effective and as long as you engage in regular brushing and flossing, should be your oral hygiene will be, and remain in, good standing over the long term.
No one deserves to live with oral pain, which is where endodontic comes into play. If you’re experiencing this, come in or call our dental clinic today! Our staff is here to address any questions or concerns you might have about root canal therapy. We look forward to helping you get your oral health back on the right track!