Endodontics is one of the specialized fields of dentistry. The word comes from the Greek word endo which meanins inside and ontics meaning tooth. In simple terms, this specialized field of dentistry focuses on dental pulp treatment.
The study is a specialized form of dentistry that most people are not familiar with. Thankfully, understanding more about this field of dentistry is not difficult. Here are some of the basic details of endodontics.
The basic definition of endodontics
Endodontics is the practice and study of the dental pulp and the prevention or treatment of diseases and conditions that affect it. Throughout the years, endodontics has evolved immensely. It has had a tremendous impact on the improvement of the quality of dental treatment.
A dentist who practices endodontics is referred to as an endodontist. Endodontists perform a wide range of different dental procedures. These procedures include surgery, treatment of dental trauma, endodontic treatment, and so much more. Most people deal with endodontists to have a root canal session. Any sort of surgery that involves a root canal is best done by an endodontist, or at the very least, have an endodontist on the team as they are the ones best suited for this particular form of dental surgery.
The dental pulp contains the nerves, venules, fibrous tissue, lymphatic tissue, and arterioles. If any of these suffer from injury or disease then endodontic treatment becomes a necessity.
Endodontics as a specialty of dentistry is recognized by dental organizations all across the globe.
Becoming an endodontist
Becoming an endodontist can be a long and arduous task. It entails a lot of hard work and effort. First of all, a person must get a dental degree. After getting their degree, the person has to undergo several additional years of training. The dentist undergoes an additional two to three years of postgraduate training to become an endodontist.
After successfully completing the required years of training, the dentist then becomes eligible to take the examination for the American Board of Endodontics. Completion bequeaths the Diplomate status with the American Board of Endodontics.
What makes endodontists different from regular dentists?
Regular dentists are actually capable of performing a few endodontic treatments. The main difference is that with endodontists, they use a microscope during treatment. This allows them to better understand and treat the internal anatomy of teeth without the need of removing a lot of tooth structure. In other words, their form of treatment is less invasive than that of a regular dentist. This lowers the risk of iatrogenic damage.
Furthermore, endodontists make use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). It is a form of 3D imaging that dentists can use to aid them in endodontic cases for diagnosis, planning and treatment. This CBCT imaging technology affords them an unprecedented degree of accuracy in their patient’s current condition.
