WHAT IS ENDODONTICS?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry recognized by the Canadian Dental Association involving treatment of the pulp (root canal) and surrounding tissues of the tooth. When you look at your tooth in the mirror, what you see is the crown. The rest of the tooth, the portion is hidden beneath the gum line, is called the root. Though the outer portion of the root is a hard tissue called dentin, the inside channel or “root canal” contains a pulp of soft tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Bacteria that are introduced into the pulp as a result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth fracture or other problems, can severely damage the pulp. When that happens, an endodontic specialist removes the diseased pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth continues to perform normally.
ENDODONTIST
An endodontist commonly referred to as a ‘root canal specialist’, is a dentist who treats inflammation and disease of the tooth pulp, including infections in the jawbone caused by such disease. The pulp consists of blood vessels and nerves that are located inside a tooth; that is, inside the canals which exist within a tooth’s roots. Not many years ago, these teeth were extracted. Today, with modern dental techniques and root canal therapy, most of these teeth can be saved.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact his office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond.
Opening Hours
Monday & Wednesday: 7:30am to 4pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30am to 6pm
Friday: 7:30am to 3pm
678 Veterans Drive, Unit 1, Barrie, ON, L9J 0H6
Tel: (705) 252-9001
Fax: (705) 252-9002