Endodontic Surgery vs. Root Canal: What's the Difference?

The root canal is one of the most well known types of dental treatments out there. However, did you know that there are several different types of root canal treatments? Depending on the severity of your mouth infection, a non-surgical root canal or a surgical root canal, also known as endodontic surgery, may be required.

Here are the differences between the two, and why your dentist may recommend one over the other:

What is a Non-Surgical Root Canal: 

Most of the time, when people are discussing root canals, they mean a non-surgical root canal. Inside your teeth is pulp, which is tissue that acts as pathways for nutrients to help your teeth grow. Disease and poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to build up and infect the pulp in your teeth. Depending on the severity of the infection, the pulp may need treatment.

A root canal is a procedure in which the pulp is removed via an incision in your teeth. Fully grown teeth no longer need pulp, so there is no lasting harm caused by removing the pulp. By removing severely infected pulp, the tooth itself can be saved instead of having to be extracted and replaced.

There are multiple signs to be aware of that can help you determine whether you need a root canal. This includes mouth pain, gum bleeding or pus leakage, or an extreme, painful sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Dental x-rays are the best way to identify whether you need a root canal, so be sure to perform semi-annual dental examinations with your preferred dentist.

What is Endodontic Surgery:

In general, root canals are very successful and ensure no further infection will set into your teeth. However, on very rare occasions, the infection may return. In some instances, pulp infection may be so extreme that a traditional non-surgical root canal treatment alone won’t be enough to resolve your oral issue.

In these situations, endodontic surgery is required to treat your tooth. Instead of cutting into your teeth again, a small incision is made in the gums at the base of your tooth. Instead of just removing the pulp, infected roots are also removed through this surgery.

Endodontic surgery is more extensive than common root canal treatments. However, contrary to the popular myth, neither treatment is painful. Anesthesia is used to numb the pain, and some patients are even able to return to school or work the same day that they get their treatment done.

Be sure to follow all recommended dental suggestions to ensure full recovery and avoid retreatment after root canal or endodontic surgery.

Trust Elite Endodontics of NH for your Oral Health:

It is very difficult to determine whether you need a root canal, endodontic surgery, or some other dental treatment just by looking in your home mirror. Different patients have different needs, and just because you're not experiencing any mouth pain doesn't mean you don’t have a dental infection.

For patients looking for a professional and experienced endodontist near Elite Endodontics of NH, New Hampshire, we hope you’ll contact us when you need treatment. Our endodontist, Dr. Tadros, and his support staff are specialists in providing endodontic treatments. You’ll get proper treatment to resolve your pain, and the follow up treatment you need to make sure it stays away.

If you have any questions about whether you need endodontic treatment or would like to know more about our practice, contact us today! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have, and look forward to helping you restore your happy and healthy smile.