Patients often hear a variety of imitative and confusing terms online about dental procedures. Two of these are the terms ‘root canal’ and ‘endodontic treatment.’ So, we’re going through what they mean and how they differ. Our team of endodontists and dental experts is available to clear up any confusion.
What is Endodontic Treatment?
Endodontics is the specialty in dentistry dealing with diseases and injuries related to the dental pulp, the inner tooth comprising of nerve tissues, blood vessels, and cells that help in tooth growth. The word comes from the Greek ‘endo,’ meaning inside, and ‘odont,’ meaning tooth.
Hence, endodontic treatment refers to treatments targeted at solving problems with the tooth’s interior. These treatments are designed to help preserve the patient’s natural tooth as much as possible while alleviating any discomfort caused by injuries or pulp diseases. Endodontic treatments are usually performed by endodontic specialists, who have undergone additional years of training after dental school to treat these complex cases.
In everyday dental visits, people usually ask about root canal therapy when decay or infection reaches the nerve of the tooth.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is one of the most common types of endodontic treatments. Patients need a root canal when their tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay or other issues. Left untreated, they can lead to severe pain or even an abscess. Generally, this means the sooner you can get a root canal once it is necessary, the better your chance of saving the tooth and not needing a bridge or implant.
If pain or swelling comes on suddenly, the same type of care may need to be handled as an emergency root canal appointment.
During a root canal, the endodontist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterward, a crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to its full function.
So, Is a Root Canal the Same as Endodontic Treatment?
A root canal is one type of endodontic treatment, but not all endodontic treatments are root canals. As mentioned earlier, endodontics covers a broad range of treatments related to the inside of the tooth. A root canal is one of the most common of these treatments.
There are other types of endodontic treatment as well. One is endodontic retreatment, which is done when the initial root canal treatment fails to heal or when infection recurs. In these cases, the tooth may need to be reopened to remove the filling, clean the root canals, and then reseal. Additionally, endodontic surgery may be necessary in some cases where a root canal is not sufficient.
Your Trusted Dental Team
Our team is committed to providing you with the highest level of care. With a focus on preserving your natural teeth, we offer a range of endodontic treatments, including root canal surgeries and root canal retreatments.
Root canals have gotten a bad reputation, but with new advances in technology and local anesthetics, most patients report that they are now as unremarkable as getting a filling. So, don’t let fear hold you back from getting essential procedures. We’re here to guide you through the process and provide the best care possible, ensuring your comfort every step of the way.
