Endodontic treatment includes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the dental pulp, nerves and tissues that surround the root of a tooth.
Why See an Endodontist instead of a General Dentist?
When you are seen by a specialist endodontist you can be assured that they are experienced in managing difficult root canal treatments, re-treatment of previously unsuccessful root canals and endodontic surgery.
Endodontists are specialists in diagnosing and treating the pain caused by toothaches, damaged or diseased teeth. They hold a degree in general dentistry as well as a postgraduate degree in endodontics. The latter involves a further three to four years of advanced education specific to endodontics.
While some general dentists can perform root canal therapy, additional specialist training and experience go a long way towards increasing the likelihood of treatment success in this field.
Root Canal Therapy vs Tooth Replacement
An experienced, highly trained endodontist can often save a tooth that may have been otherwise deemed too difficult to treat or to have a poor prognosis. These specialists often collaborate with prosthodontists in cases where a tooth can be restored through the use of crowns, veneers, bridges, implants or dentures, and with oral maxillofacial surgeons and periodontists in cases where the tooth cannot be saved.
Who will provide my Endodontic Treatment?
At Collins Street Specialist Centre all your endodontic treatment will be carried out by one of our Dental-Board registered specialist endodontists.
To qualify as a registered specialist endodontist in Australia, practitioners must first have the same degree as a general dentist, with honours. They then study for a further three to four years fir a Masters degree or equivalent specific training in endodontics, making them eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia as a specialist endondontist.
Never assume that a practitioner is a specialist endodontist; always check on the website of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
