What Is Endodontics?

An Endodontist is a dentist who has undergone a minimum of 2 years of extra postgraduate training following dental school. This Specialist training allows an Endodontist to:

treat diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures
diagnose facial pain and related problems

Your general dentist refers patients for consultation when the diagnosis is complicated or when treatment is more difficult than normal. Aside from providing treatment, Dr. Pafford's role is also that of educator. It is important to Dr. Pafford that his patients understand their options, recommendations, and any required treatment. Dr. Pafford believes that a properly informed patient has the best chance of achieving optimal results.

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 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.

Why would I need Endodontic treatment?

Signs and Symptoms that treatment is necessary

How Can Endodontic Treatment help me?

The Endodontist removes the inflamed 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 reconstruction. 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.

Treatments Offered

Head and Neck Pain Diagnosis

Causes of head and neck pain can be from teeth and other oral structures, but frequently it is not. Many painful conditions mimic tooth pain, and a proper diagnosis is essential to pain relief and a successful outcome. Toothaches and cracked teeth can often be difficult to pinpoint. Because of the vast network of nerves in the mouth, the pain of a damaged or diseased tooth can be felt in another tooth and/or in the head, neck, or ear. An endodontist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats this type of pain.

Root Canal Treatment

The procedure of a root canal is the process of removing unhealthy tissue from the space within the tooth. During this process the tooth is disinfected to remove inflammation or infection. After the canal space is cleaned and dried, it is filled with a root canal filling material to minimize the re-entry of bacteria. Root canal treatment, if indicated, allows you to preserve your natural tooth in a healthy state.

Root Canal Retreatment

Root canals have a high success rate. Sometimes a tooth that has had a root canal may not heal and become painful or diseased. Frequently a repeat of the root canal, called root canal retreatment, can resolve the problem and save the tooth.

Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can be very difficult to locate and diagnose. Endodontists are experts in this type of diagnosis. Cracked teeth are often painful. The options are varied depending on many different factors, which Dr. Pafford will discuss with you.

Internal Tooth Bleaching

A tooth can become discolored following trauma. Often internal tooth bleaching is an option to restore the color of the tooth. Often internal tooth bleaching is a conservative and less expensive option a crown or veneer when a tooth is discolored.

Traumatic Injuries

Pulp damage is sometimes caused by trauma to the mouth, and the endodontist specializes in treating these traumatic injuries. For example, an injury to a child's permanent tooth that is not fully developed can cause the root to stop growing. Procedures called apexification and revascularization may be done to stimulate growth of an immature tooth. An endodontist is specially trained in procedures such as these and in replanting teeth that have been displaced.

Endodontic Surgery (Apicoectomy)

In some circumstances, surgery is needed to remove a persistent bone infection around a tooth with a root canal. Dr. Pafford will thoroughly review this procedure and alternatives with you during your consultation.

Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Retreatment

Apicoectomy

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