Endodontic Terms Everyone Needs to Know

Whether you are visiting your primary care doctor, a cardiologist for your heart or pretty much any health care professional, you will be introduced to medical jargon, new words that are specific to a certain type of medical profession. When you visit your endodontist for the first time, he or she may be explaining your condition in medical terms such as the ones below. These words will be second nature to them, but will probably seem like a foreign language to you.

We wanted to make sure you had an advantage when you visit our office, so we compiled a list of the most commonly used words and phrases used in endodontics:

Endodontics: An extension to general dentistry dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of the interior of the tooth.

Endodontist: A dental specialist with 2-3 years of special training in the field of endodontics.

Board-Certified: An endodontist who has voluntarily taken and passed an examination by the American Board of Endodontics to certify that his or her knowledge, skills and abilities meet the highest of standards, and that he or she is dedicated to continuing their education in the field of endodontics.

Dental Pulp: The inner tissues of the tooth, filled with blood vessels and nerves. This tissue is surrounded by dentin and enamel.

Necrotic Pulp: The death of the living tissue in the tooth.

Dentin: The middle layer of the tooth which surrounds the pulp, helping to form the pulp chamber and root canal. It also forms most of the crown, the root of the tooth and it gives the tooth a unique shape.

Enamel: The hard, protective outer layer of the tooth. Enamel is considered the hardest substance in the body.

Root Canal Therapy: The process of removing bacteria, infection and damaged dental pulp in a tooth and then refilling the tooth with special dental material and sealing it with a crown.

Bur: A tiny drill that removes the roof of the tooth so the endodontist can reach the pulp chamber.

Endodontic Spoon Excavator: Miniscule spoon-shaped tool used get into the pulp chamber and access the floor.

Barbed Broach: A tool resembling a thumb tack that is used to grab the pulp and remove it from the tooth.

Gutta Percha: The scientific name of the material used to fill the tooth after a root canal.

Crown: The visible part of a tooth that is covered by enamel.

Gingiva: The dense fibrous tissue and mucous membrane that covers the necks and roots of teeth and the jaw bone, also known as the “gum tissue.”

Pulpitis: A diagnosis of damaged pulp. Some pulpitis can be reversible or healed, but in most cases, it is a death sentence for the pulp. This is the leading cause of the need for root canal therapy.

Abscess: An inflammatory reaction to pulpitis and necrosis portrayed by the forming of a fistula, swelling of the gums, extreme sensitivity to hot and cold, pain, and rapid onset of symptoms.

Fistula: A pus-filled opening (looks like a pimple) on the gum that is a sign of infection draining from a tooth.

Nitrous Oxide Analgesia: Commonly known as “laughing gas,” it is used to calm patients who are nervous about the procedure.

Apicoectomy: A procedure needed when infection continues or develops after receiving a root canal.

Extraction: The removal of a tooth/teeth.

Digital Imaging: An advanced technique to getting better images with less radiation than traditional x-rays.

Overland Park’s Board-Certified Dr. Budig

This is just a small list. If you are unsure about something that is said during your visit, please ask. Dr. Budig wants you to know exactly what is going on including the severity of your condition, the best treatment plan for you and all information regarding the details of your procedure and recovery. You will have time during your appointment to discuss any questions and concerns that you may have. Our staff is always available to answer questions and you can call the office anytime if you think of something you want to ask after leaving the office.

Going to the endodontist can cause a little bit of nervousness. Getting as much knowledge as you possibly can about root canals, the anatomy of your teeth and the terminology used by your endodontist will help you to ease your fears and feel confident in the expertise of your endodontist. Dr. Budig and his staff are available to help you in any way. Your comfort is their top priority. Contact the office today to make an appointment.