Endodontic Services

Endodontic services provided include: endodontic treatment, retreatment, endodontic surgery, bleaching discolored teeth, treating traumatic injuries, diagnosing and treating pain.

Endodontic Treatment

Sinus tract from and infected upper right first molar
X-ray of the infected upper right molar caused by tooth decay	X-ray of the same tooth after endodontic treatment with the root canals filled and sealed with a material which prevents bacteria from re-entering the canals

When the pulp, which is the soft, inner tissue of the tooth, has been infected or damaged by decay or physical trauma, root canal treatment is required. This treatment involves making an opening into the tooth, removing the pulp, cleaning, filling and sealing the root canals. This treatment will save the tooth that would otherwise be extracted.

Retreatment

Occasionally a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment may fail to heal or becomes painful or diseased months or years later. A second endodontic treatment or retreatment may be performed. This procedure is usually more complicated and difficult compared to the original treatment. And the chance of success is not guaranteed. Endodontic surgery or extraction of the tooth are the other alternatives.

Endodontic Surgery

Sometimes standard endodontic treatment is ineffective and a surgical procedure is needed to remove the infected pulp and seal the root canal from the tip of the tooth. This surgical procedure is performed after the completion of the endodontic treatment.

Bleaching Discoloured Teeth

One of the options in restoring the discoloured teeth to its near-natural colour is to bleach it with a whitening agent. This can be done on teeth that have had endodontic treatment and on select cases of discoloured vital teeth.

Treating Traumatic Injuries

A blow to the mouth can cause pulp damage, dislodge the tooth or cause the root to stop growing. When a tooth has been knocked out of its socket, it can be replanted successfully if seen to within half an hour of the accident. Procedures like apexification and apexogenesis will stimulate the root to grow again and makes it possible to save the tooth through a root canal procedure.

Diagnosing and Treating Pain

A toothache can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint. Pain from a damaged or diseased pulp can often be felt in another tooth, or in the head, neck or ear. Diagnosing and treating this type of pain is one of the endodontic services provided.

Contributed by Dr Liu Hao Hsing

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