- Endodontics -
- This term is derived from the two Greek words "endo" (inside) and "odons" (tooth). As the definitions of these words suggest, "endodontics" is that field of dentistry that attends to those problems associated with the inner aspects of a tooth. More specifically, "endodontics" is that branch of dentistry that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disease processes that involve a tooth's pulpal tissue ("nerve tissue"), as well as those tissues that surround the root of a tooth (these tissues are often affected by those disease processes associated with a tooth's pulp).
- Endodontic Therapy -
- This is an equivalent term for root canal treatment. The terms "endodontic therapy," "endodontic treatment," "root canal treatment," and "root canal therapy" can all be considered to be equivalent terms.
- Endodontist -
- A type of dentist who is a root canal treatment specialist. To receive this designation, after the completion of dental school (four years) the dentist must continue on with their studies for an additional two years of specialty education in the field of endodontics.
An endodontist will limit their practice to that of only diagnosing the need for and providing root canal treatment. This means that while an endodontist may perform your tooth's root canal therapy, your general dentist (typically) will be the person who completes the treatment by placing the final restoration (such as a dental crown).
- Non-Surgical Endodontic Therapy -
- The most common form of root canal treatment. During non-surgical treatment, the dentist or endodontist gains the access they need to the inner aspects of the tooth by way of creating an "access cavity" that extends through the crown portion of the tooth on to its pulp chamber. (Compare with Surgical Endodontic Therapy below.)
- Surgical Endodontic Therapy -
- Root canal treatment involving some type of surgical procedure that is employed as a means to gain access to that portion of a tooth requiring endodontic attention. The most common type of surgical endodontic procedure is the "apicoectomy." During this procedure the endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth and removes the very tip of its root as well as inflamed or infected tissue.
|
