Common Endodontic Preventive Procedures [Scaling and Root Planing]

Learning more about preventive endodontic procedures is a great idea. Especially when you are experiencing any type of problems with the pulp of a tooth or the surrounding tissues of a tooth. The pulp in a tooth and the gum tissues surrounding that tooth need to be healthy, or you may lose your tooth. According to the American Dental Association, an endodontist is a dentist who specializes in saving teeth.

About endodontists

Learning more about endodontic procedures will help you understand if you ever happen to be in need. The more you understand about any dental treatments that are available to you, the more likely you will take advantage of these benefits so you can be sure to always experience good oral health. Endodontists have undergone an additional two or more years of advanced training in order to give them the knowledge necessary to perform endodontic procedures on their patients.

Three common endodontic preventive procedures

Below are three common endodontic preventive procedures that endodontists are performing on their patients nowadays.

Scaling

Scaling is a preventive procedure that is performed in order to remove any plaque and tartar buildup that is existing below the gum line. When plaque or tartar is not removed in a timely manner, it makes the gums pull away from the teeth, causing pockets that can only be treated by a scaling procedure. While a regular dental cleaning removes any plaque or tartar buildup existing above the gum line, when it exists below the gum line, it requires a more in-depth procedure. When an endodontist performs the scaling procedure, they will remove any built-up plaque or tartar that exists all the way to the bottom of the pocket.

Root planing

Root planing is a preventive procedure that is performed in order to smooth out the roots of a tooth, allowing receding gums the ability to more easily reattach to the tooth once the scaling procedure has been completed. This preventive procedure is performed after the scaling procedure because there is no longer any existing plaque or tartar, which allows the endodontist to perform the necessary procedure. When it comes to providing patients with a local anesthetic, it simply depends on the extent of their procedure, as well as their overall tolerance to handle dental discomfort.

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is a preventive procedure that is performed in order to save a tooth from being lost. When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, the only way to remove the infection is to perform a root canal. This requires an experienced endodontist to remove the pulp and nerve from the infected tooth, thoroughly clean it out in order to remove the infection completely and then fill it with a special dental material and seal it closed. This allows the tooth to once again perform as it is supposed to, saving the tooth from being lost forever.

How is your endodontic health?

If your endodontic health is anything less than ideal, then it is time for you to undergo a full mouth evaluation in order to understand if you are in need of any endodontic treatment. Now that you know a few examples of some of the more common types of endodontic preventive procedures that are performed nowadays, you should feel more prepared if you happen to be in need of one or more of these preventive procedures.

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