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| General I Sedation
I Extractions
I Cosmetic
I Paediatric
I Oral
Hygiene I Periodontics
I Endodontics
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| Endodontics |
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| Endodontics plainly means "treatment
within the tooth" (Endo means within, dontic refers
to the tooth). It usually refers to dentistry, which
is performed on the canal system of the tooth. A root
canal is a narrow passage in a root through which the
nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth. There is a
lot more to Endodontics than just root canal treatment,
although this does make up the bulk of endodontic work. |
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| What is an endodontist? |
| An endodontist is a dentist who is a
specialist in the treatment of endodontic or root canal
problems. |
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| When is root canal treatment performed? |
When the nerve
and blood vessels within the root canal system is
irreversibly damaged it becomes very painful (known
as "pulpitis"). The pain may reduce with
time but will only be alleviated by removing the nerve
during root canal treatment. |
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| How can I know if I have a root
canal problem? |
- Teeth with root canal problems are painful.
- Infected nerves and blood vessels create gases
that build up inside the tooth, which can be painful.
- The tooth can be sensitive to temperature changes,
especially hot liquids.
- The tooth can be sensitive on chewing.
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| How is root canal treatment performed? |
- The first step is to open the pulp
chamber by drilling into the tooth to allow access
to the root canals.
- If the infection is severe and there
is pus in the pulp chamber and in the root canals,
this can drain out.
- Once the infection has been relieved,
the remains of the nerve and blood supply are cleaned
away.
- The pulp chamber and root canal are
reshaped and cleaned out.
- The debris is washed out using medicated
solutions
- The now empty cavity are filled and
sealed with special materials
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| Is root canal treatment
painful? |
- A local anaesthetic is used so treatment
is generally not painful.
- Pain relievers can be used, if the
anaesthetic wears off,
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