●Endodontic Surgery

While some people may believe that most dental procedures require the same level of experience, there are actually many separate areas of dentistry that require a specialist. There are multiple conditions and illnesses that require the experience of an endodontic surgeon instead of a general dentist. When a nonsurgical root canal or other procedure is not enough for treatment, endodontic surgery may be the better solution.

The type of issues an endodontist treats

An endodontist will mainly use endodontic surgery when non-surgical procedure are not enough or when the fracture is small enough that they are not visible on X-rays. In other cases, endodontic surgery may also be necessary to remove calcium deposits in root canals. While the tooth can seem fairly normal on the surface, there can be an infection or other health issue underneath that is causing more problems.

Various reasons for endodontic surgery

A few possible scenarios in which endodontic surgery is a necessary treatment option:

Treating persistent symptoms that do not go away with regular dental procedures
Treating a canal that calcium deposits make too narrow for traditional root canal tools
Treating a tooth that already underwent a root canal but is now infected
Treating serious damage to the root surfaces or surrounding bone

There are cases in which an individual has a small fracture or canal that a dentist cannot notice on the X-ray. With endodontic surgery, the endodontist will be able to examine the entire root of the tooth and treat the problem.
There is also a process known as calcification, in which calcium deposits form around the root and make the canal too narrow for a non-surgical root canal.

In these cases, an endodontist will need to use surgery to clean the tooth and then re-seal it. Since each part of the tooth affects each other and the other components of the mouth, it is crucial to seek professional care.
In some patients who receive a non-surgical root canal from a general dentist, there is a chance that the root will not heal properly and cause an infection to form.

When this happens, it is crucial to seek endodontic surgery from a professional endodontist. If you do not treat the tooth soon, you will feel intense pain that makes daily tasks nearly impossible. People may go months or years after a root canal without any problems and suddenly have the pain strike.

The process

What you need to know

A common procedure that endodontists perform on a regular basis is known as the apicoectomy. During this procedure, the endodontist opens the gum tissue by the tooth and examines the underlying bone. If necessary, the endodontist will remove any inflamed or infected tissue along with the end of the root. The endodontist may need to then place a small filling at the end of the root canal along with a few stitches or sutures to help the tissue heal properly.

After completing this procedure, the bone will naturally heal around the end of the root over the next few months following the procedure. Since this is only one type of endodontic surgery, it is important to ask all questions during the consultation in order to fully understand your specific situation. The other procedures are all designed to help save the tooth and prevent having to extract it entirely. If you have any concerns about feeling pain during the surgery, do not worry.

While you may feel some swelling and soreness following the procedure, there will not be much of any pain. In fact, the anesthesia will wear off and you will most likely be able to drive yourself home from the appointment.
However, be sure to clarify with the endodontist if it is alright for you to drive yourself or if you need to have someone else drive you. In most cases, it is best to take the remainder of the day to relax.

While many people return to normal routines the next day, your endodontist will be able to go over the best course of action during the appointment.If you are in pain following general dental procedures and are unsure of why, see an endodontist as soon as possible. An endodontist can ensure the pain goes away and the teeth remain in good health.

Common Misconceptions About Dentures

At Desert Breeze Dentistry, we hear a lot of myths about dentures. In some cases, people have inaccurate information about this treatment. We make sure every step of the procedure is explained in detail, and we are always willing to answer any questions our patients may have.

Myth: Dentures are only for older adults

Some people may think dentures and partial dentures are only for older patients. In actuality, many patients in their twenties and thirties wear dentures too. An independent marketing data firm called Servata found that 53% of denture wearers were at or under 44 years of age based on an online survey of 500 U.S. adults. While younger patients may be more frequent wearers of partial dentures, older patients are indeed more likely to be wearers of a complete set.

Myth: Dentures last forever

There is a misconception that once a patient has dentures, it is not necessary to schedule future appointments with the dentist. You still must go to the dentist twice a year for routine checkups. Dentures may also loosen, requiring a dentist to be readjusted. These consultations are crucial for identifying other oral issues, such as gum conditions.

Myth: Dentures feel uncomfortable

While it is true that dentures will take some time to grow accustomed to, most people feel comfortable with the appliance within a few weeks or even days. We can help resolve any concerns people have about the way the dentures fit or function.

Definition of Dental Terminology

Cementum

Cementum is that bone-like tissue that forms the outer surface on the root of the tooth.

Dentin

Dentin is the inner layer of the tooth structure that is immediately under the enamel and surrounds the dental pulp

Enamel

The enamel is the hard calcified layer that covers the entire tooth and is subject to interaction with multiple substances.

Pulpectomy

A pulpectomy is a procedure that involves the complete removal of pulp tissue from the root canal in a tooth.

Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is a procedure involving the removal of a portion of diseased or infected pulp in order to protect the healthy portions of the pulp and teeth still in the mouth.

Dental Pulp

Dental pulp is the inner-most layer of the tooth with connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue.

Direct Pulp Cap

A direct pulp cap is a procedure in which a professional treats exposed pulp with a therapeutic material to help the tooth heal.

Endodontist

An endodontist is a specialist who focuses on treating issues, diseases and conditions that affect the inner-most layer of the tooth, the dental pulp.