Is a Root Canal the Most Common Procedure for a Endodontist?

Root canal treatment is the most common procedure that an endodontist performs. The process can save a damaged tooth that might otherwise need complete extraction. A root canal treats and preserves millions of teeth each year, according to the American Academy of Endodontists. You may need root canal treatment if imaging tests show damage in the dental pulp. The pulp is the only part of the tooth with nerves and blood vessels.

When an endodontist may recommend root canal treatment

When the pulp suffers from infection or inflammation, root canal treatment is necessary. An endodontist may decide to perform a root canal to restore the tooth’s function. Without treatment, the infection may spread to other parts of the body. There are cases when the problem can become life-threatening. If a patient needs a root canal procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp has to be removed immediately.

What happens in a root canal treatment?

During a root canal, the endodontist will ask the patient to sit on a chair and lie on their back. They will administer local anesthesia to numb the inside of the patient’s mouth. Then, the endodontist will place a tiny tarp over the affected tooth to isolate the infected area from the rest of the mouth. The endodontist will access the diseased pulp and remove it. Then, they will clean the area before filling the disinfected space and seal the tooth.

Other common dental procedures an endodontist performs

Apicoectomy is a treatment option when root canal therapy is not enough to fix the problem. An endodontist may recommend this procedure if the patient has calcium deposits. This condition makes a root canal implausible. If the patient underwent a root canal but the tooth pain did not subside, an endodontist may also recommend an apicoectomy. This procedure involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root and filling the root end cavity.

Besides root canal and apicoectomy, endodontists also perform treatments for cracked teeth. The damage could be due to physical injury or natural wear and tear. Symptoms range from erratic pain when chewing food to sudden discomfort upon consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. An endodontist specializes in saving not only decayed teeth but also fractured teeth. Methods used to fix the damage depend on the type of cracked teeth a patient has. The endodontist also considers the location and extent of the crack to decide on the right approach.