Endodontics in Phuket

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries affecting the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and the tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. The term "endo" comes from Greek and means "inside," while "odont" means "tooth."

Endodontists are dental specialists who have completed additional training beyond dental school to specialize in saving teeth through procedures that involve the pulp and root of teeth. They are experts in performing root canal treatments and other procedures related to the interior of the tooth.

Common Endodontic Procedures

• Root Canal Treatment: The most common procedure, which involves removing infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it.
• Endodontic Retreatment: Performed when a previous root canal treatment has failed or new problems have developed.
• Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery): A surgical procedure that removes the tip of the tooth's root and seals the root end cavity when conventional root canal treatment cannot resolve the problem.
• Treatment of Dental Trauma: Specialized care for teeth that have been dislodged, fractured, or otherwise injured.
• Pulpotomy and Pulpectomy: Procedures that remove part or all of the pulp, often performed on children's teeth.
• Internal Bleaching: A technique to whiten a tooth that has darkened due to root canal treatment.

When Do You Need an Endodontist?

You might need to see an endodontist if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Severe toothache or pain when chewing or applying pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Discoloration or darkening of a tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
• Persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
• Deep decay or a cracked tooth

While general dentists can perform root canals, endodontists have specialized training and equipment that make them particularly skilled at diagnosing and treating complex cases. They typically perform 25 times more root canal treatments than general dentists and use advanced technologies like operating microscopes, digital imaging, and ultrasonic instruments.