Procedures
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that involves the treatment of the root canal and surrounding tissues of the tooth.
When you look at your teeth, unless they’re badly damaged, all you should be able to see is the crown.
The tooth consists of three main parts:
- The outer layer: called the enamel, this is the strongest part of the tooth. Enamel can be destroyed by bacteria, wear or trauma.
- The body: known as dentine, this is the calcified tissue that is exposed when the enamel is corroded. It is considerably softer and more susceptible to decay than the enamel.
- The root canal system: this is the main concern of endodontics. It houses the soft tissues, blood vessels and nerves, which is called the pulp.
When the inside of the tooth is exposed by decay/fracture/restorations, bacteria can attack the pulp, causing pain and other serious health-related issues such as infection.
If your teeth are in the advanced stages of dental decay, have suffered fractures, or been otherwise damaged, it is important that they are seen to immediately and by a professionally qualified dental surgeon or specialist endodontist.
This allows the endodontist to choose the most appropriate treatment option. Losing a tooth is problematic and can often lead to other complications in the mouth; affecting biting, chewing, and typically results in more complex dental procedures over the coming years.
The treatment option chosen involves taking into account the expected prognosis of the tooth, as well as the patient’s wishes.
How we find your best treatment
Before endodontic therapy is carried out, a correct diagnosis of the dental pulp and the surrounding periapical tissues is required to allow for preservation and longevity of the tooth and surrounding tissues.
This allows the endodontist to choose the most appropriate treatment option. Losing a tooth is problematic and can often lead to other complications in the mouth; affecting biting, chewing, and typically results in more complex dental procedures over the coming years.
The treatment option chosen involves taking into account the expected prognosis of the tooth, as well as the patient’s wishes.
Our Procedures
At Endodontics Only we specialise in the following treatments
Our experienced team
Dr Bill Kahler
Specialist Endodontist with over 40 years' experience, an international lecturer, published researcher, and Fellow of two prestigious dental colleges.
Dr Jeff Hislop
Specialist Endodontist with over 40 years' experience, a Masters degree, and Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, teaching at both Queensland and Griffith Universities.
Dr Andrew Thomson
Specialist Endodontist with a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry, published researcher in novel endodontic materials, and former Discipline Lead and Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland School of Dentistry.
Dr Tom Fenelon
Specialist Endodontist with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry from the University of Melbourne, clinical teaching experience, and active service as a Dental Officer in the Australian Army.
Dr Unni Krishnan
Specialist Endodontist since 2001, Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland, RACDS examiner, and Senior Editor of Clinical Case Reports, with a PhD focus on the biomechanics of cracked teeth.
Dr David Leong
Specialist Endodontist with a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry (Distinction) from Griffith University, clinical supervisor to dental students, and member of leading Australian and international dental associations.
Frequently asked questions
Pain is only one indication that root canal treatment may be necessary.
Some patients may never experience pain with an infected tooth.
Some patients may experience tooth pain initially and then it goes away on its own or with the help of antibiotics.
Just because it has stopped hurting doesn’t mean it is no longer infected.
An endodontic procedure is necessary when the pulp/tooth or surrounding tissue becomes severely damaged or inflamed due to deep decay, infection, a filling cracking or leaking, or it can occur after an accident/trauma involving the tooth.
Endodontic treatment will remove the bacteria and irritants from the root canals allowing the surrounding tissue to heal itself and bring it back to normal function.
If a tooth with damaged pulp is left untreated, it can eventually cause severe pain, abscesses and lead to the eventual loss of the tooth.
In more severe cases, this may also include destruction of the supporting bone and surrounding tissues.
In some extreme cases, this can even lead to blood poisoning.
An endodontist completes a minimum of an additional 3 years study in an accredited endodontics post graduate program.
This means that in addition to performing routine root canal and tooth pulp treatments, the endodontist has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions.
These include diagnosing and relieving orofacial pain, treating traumatic injuries to teeth and retreating previously unsuccessful root canal fillings under an operating microscope.
This means there is a higher success rate in keeping your tooth and ultimately maintains your ability to chew and function while keeping your smile intact!
Root canal treatment is a proven and predictable procedure.
Teeth that are extracted following root canal treatment usually have other problems such as gum disease, tooth decay or cracking of the root.
A failure to get the tooth crowned after root canal treatment is the most common reason for extraction.
Even within these constraints, the vast majority of root-filled teeth are saved and remain viable for many years.
Although the tooth is more fragile, with proper restoration, the tooth may last a lifetime.
Here are four tips to help avoid root canal treatment in the future;
- Keep your teeth decay-free by brushing and flossing every day.
- Eat a healthy diet low in sugar and avoid acidic beverages such as soft drinks.
- Come to the dental office regularly for professional cleanings and exams.
- If you’re active in sports, consider ordering a custom-made mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
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