Dental Surgery: What Your Endodontist Should Tell You
Author: SpecialistDentalServices | Posted: 23.05.2012Dental surgeons are specialised in all facets of surgery relating to the teeth and jaw bones. This can cover anything from endodontic treatments (surgery involving the root of the tooth), to dental prosthetics and orthodontics.
The endodontist is responsible for treatments and surgery inside the tooth itself. Ordinarily, a dentist is able to treat the enamel of the tooth, but when infection spreads past this point to the root of the tooth, an endodontist (or dental surgeon) will get to work inside the tooth itself.
Common types of endodontic surgery include pulpotomy (where the pulp chamber of the tooth is opened to allow an infection to drain) and pulpectomy (removing the pulp altogether.) These two treatments are generally a precursor to root canal treatment.
Endodontic treatments remove diseased material from the tooth to relieve pain, and are usually able to save the tooth. Keeping the tooth intact has several advantages: it helps maintain natural jaw structure and retain chewing functionality without the need for expensive dental implants.
Other procedures performed by dental surgeons include orthodontic treatment such as apiectomy (where part of the underlying bone structure is removed), extraction and fibreotomy (severing the fibres around a tooth to prevent relapse.)
Dental surgeons also work with dental prosthetics such as crowns (artificial coverings of the tooth), veneers (covering the front of the tooth), bridges (two or more crowns connected together), dentures and implants.
Dental crowns are an effective restoration for teeth damaged by decay or physical trauma. They are often used when a large cavity threatens the rest of the tooth, to improve a tooth’s strength and appearance.
Following root canal treatment or other endodontic surgery, teeth can become brittle because their pulp has been removed. Dental crowns can help to prevent fracturing and ensure the tooth does not become infected with bacteria a second time.
Dental crowns are fashioned outside of the mouth and often made of gold, for aesthetic reasons as well as durability. The average dental crown lasts for ten years, although many endure for longer than this. A dental surgeon will take a dental impression of a tooth before fabricating the crown outside of the mouth.
Crowns can be expensive, costing anything from between £300 and £1,000 per tooth. However, this option is far less pricy than veneers or implants, and requires little repeat work once the first crown has been properly fitted.
About Author:
Specialist Dental Services is a private dental care service in London’s West End. Our experienced endodontist Consultants offer services from simple fillings to dental implants, orthodontics, cosmetic makeovers and specialist children’s dentistry. Our team of NHS Consultants have undergone extensive specialist training and Royal College examinations in the UK. Find out more at http://www.specialistdentalservices.com.
Specialist Dental Services is a private dental care service in London’s West End. Our experienced endodontist Consultants offer services from simple fillings to dental implants, orthodontics, cosmetic makeovers and specialist children’s dentistry. Our team of NHS Consultants have undergone extensive specialist training and Royal College examinations in the UK. Find out more at http://www.specialistdentalservices.com.
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