SPECIALIST ENDODONTIST in TAVISTOCK
9 PLYMOUTH RD,
TAVISTOCK
DEVON PL19 8AU
Tel. 01822 617788
ENDODONTIST - Information for patients
WHAT IS ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?
Endodontology
is the study and expertise related to the inside of the tooth. (Endo
= Inside, Odont = Tooth) This includes the living, sensitive pulp
inside the tooth and the hard and soft tissues related to it. The
study includes the preservation and care of healthy tissues and the
diagnosis and treatment of diseased tissues .
WHY DOES ONE NEED ENDODONTIC TREATMENT?
The pulp of a tooth is a very sensitive organ which can be subjected to
irritating factors like undue biting forces, bacteria from dental
decay or fracture of the tooth structure.
These lead to indirect effects or direct exposure of the very sensitive nerves and blood vessels of the pulp, inflammation, infection and abscess formation. All of these will result in varying degrees of pain, sometimes of a very severe nature.
The effect of the disease process continues deeper into the root of the tooth and the byproducts of the bacteria like toxins and enzimes, together with the products formed by the dying and decaying pulp tissues causes a reaction by the defense mechanism of the body. The “war” between the body’s defenses and the irritants leads to damage of the bone tissues around the tips of the teeth. The bone becomes decalcified and appears on a radiograph (X-ray) as a dark area below and between the roots of the tooth as seen on the image to the left. In the early stages of irritation and inflammation the tooth is only sensitive to heat and/or cold and the pulp can be saved by relatively uncomplicated treatment.
Once severe inflammation or infection sets in the only treatment is to
remove the diseased tissue with small, delicate files, at the same
time cleaning and shaping the root canal system, flushing out the
debris and applying specialised medicaments to kill the bacteria.
After this is accomplished the canal must be perfectly sealed to
prevent recurrence of bacterial invasion
Such a root filling is seen in the image on the left. The marvellous assistance
of nature can be seen too!
The image is that of the same tooth seen before and only six months had elapsed after the root seal was placed. The reparative mechanisms of the body cleared up all the infection around the roots and rebuilt the bone that was damaged. The radiograph now shows perfectly normal tissues supporting the tooth and the outlook for a long and effective life for the tooth is most favourable.
The success rate for well executed root treatment is better than 97%.
It is important that the tooth be restored with a filling, inlay, overlay or crown as soon as possible after completion of the root treatment.
IS ALL THIS VERY IMPORTANT?
Leaving the infection will cause a lot of pain and could be dangerous when it spreads beyond the local tissues. If endodontic treatment can save a tooth from being extracted it will avoid costly implants, bridge work or partial dentures.
IS AN IMPLANT AN OPTION?
The tooth
can be replaced with an implant but this is much more costly and it
is not the ideal substitute for a natural root. The natural root of a
tooth is the only perfect link between the jaw and a filled, crowned
or artificial tooth because it can still register the biting forces
on the tooth and allow the small, natural movements of teeth in
relation to other teeth.
WHAT IS AN ENDODONTIST AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?
Through intensive study and research, enhanced by a teaching career in which all professional activity was limited to the specific discipline, the Endodontist developed the special clinical skills to execute the required procedures more effectively. He/she will more than likely use special equipment to assist him/her like a microscope, special electronic imaging devices, measuring instruments and equipment for preparing and sealing the root canals.
This leads to a more predictable outcome for your treatment. Due to the complexity involved in advanced cases the delicate procedures are very time-intensive. All of this leads to relatively high cost for the treatment.
For
further information about Endodontic Treatment you can discuss it
with your dentist, call the endodontist or visit the following
websites:
http://www.bda-dentistry.org.uk/
Then
click on Public/Show me some dental treatments/Restoring teeth/Root
fillings
OR GO
TO:
http://www.aae.org/patients
BChD (Pret); MSc (London); PhD (Stell)
E-mail: nicolaaslw@aol.com
Dr.NicoLouw
SPECIALIST ENDODONTIST
Mobile: 0780 304 4904