Why go to a dentist that only does root canals?

Your general dentist may in fact do a lot of root canals in his/her  office. You may have been referred here for consultation if the  diagnosis is complicated or when treatment is more difficult than  normal. Dr.Seddon is equipped with a number of diagnostic aides which  help him determine exactly what is causing your symptoms. He will  diagnose your problem and will take the time to make sure you  understand the treatment options available to you. He will do his best 
to answer all your questions prior to starting treatment.

What is Endodontics?

Endodontics is a segment of Dentistry that deals with diseases of the  dental pulp and its supporting structures.  Dr. Seddon  has limited  his practice to endodontics, and has extensive experience in  diagnosing and treating the diseases of the dental pulp. He employs  all the high tech equipment typical of the progressive endodontic  practice, including the surgical operating microscope.

In order to understand Endodontic treatment, it helps to know  something about the anatomy of a tooth. Teeth have several layers. The  outside layer of the tooth is composed of a hard layer called Enamel.  Enamel is supported by an inner layer called Dentinw, which has at its  center a soft tissue known as the Pulp. The pulp contains blood  vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that are responsible for  forming the surrounding Dentinw and Enamel during tooth development.  The pulp receives its nourishment supply from vessels which enter the  end of the root. Although the pulp is important during development of  the tooth, it is not necessary for function of the tooth. The tooth  continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it even after the  pulp is removed.
     
Example: Mandibular (Lower) Molar
     
Why would I need Endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or
infected. The most common reasons for inflammation or infection are  deep cavities (caries),repeated dental procedures, cracks or chips.  Trauma can also cause inflammation and often shows up as discoloration  of the tooth. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it  can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

Signs and Symptoms

Indications for treatment include prolonged sensitivity to heat or  cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling or tenderness of the tooth  or adjacent gums. Sometimes there are no symptoms.

How Can Endodontic Treatment help me?

The dentist removes the inflammed or infected pulp, carefully cleans  and shapes the canal system and then seals the prepared space. Often  treatment is now performed in a single appointment ranging from 60-120  minutes (depending on the number of canals and complexity of the  case). Once treatment is completed, you may be instructed to return to  your restorative dentist for permanent reconstruction. The restoration  of the tooth is an important part of treatment because it seals the  cleaned canals from the oral environment, protects the tooth and  restores it to function.

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?

Toothache pain is the main reason for patients seeking treatment.  Fortunately, modern anaesthetics can make the procedure pain free in  most cases. Seeking treatment early makes the procedure more  comfortable, so don't wait. When caught early, treatment should feel  no different than having a regular filling. For the first few days  after treatment, there may be some sensitivity to biting pressure,  especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. 
Sometimes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like  Nurofen) are recommended for a day or two. Dr. Seddon can prescribe  other medications but they are rarely required.