Endodontics

Root canal therapy is also referred to as endodontics and the Dentist that specializes in this treatment is called an Endodontist. Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called a root canal, an Endodontist may be able to save that tooth. At iSmile Dental Associates located in the Northshore Mall in Peabody we offer our patients the convenience of having an Endodontist on staff so you don't have to travel to another dental office for treatment if your Dentist has determined root canal therapy is right for you. Our office is convenient to Danvers, Salem, Beverly, Lynnfield and many other surrounding Northshore towns.

Dr. Eric Dionne is an Endodontist. He graduated the University of Toronto Dental School in 1998. Dr. Dionne has practiced as a general dentist for six years. His interest in root canal therapy resulted in his attending the endodontic specialty program at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He has completed extensive continuing education including hands on courses with Dr. Stephan Buchanan, a renowned dental educator, over a two year period. Dionne Endodontist Bio.

What are Root Canals?
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!  Nothing is as good as a natural tooth! And sometimes your natural tooth may need root canal (endodontic) treatment for it to remain a healthy part of your mouth. It will take a comprehensive dental examination by your dentist to determine if root canal treatment is indicated for your tooth. Not only must your dentist determine if the treatment can be an appropriate solution for your situation but also that the overall condition of the tooth in question warrants the time and expense involved.

Most patients report that having root canal (endodontic) treatment today is as unremarkable as having a cavity filled.

Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, it runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the Endodontist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.

Treatment often involves from one to three visits. During treatment, your Endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed.

Here's how your tooth is saved through treatment:

1. First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth.
2. An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
3. The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped to a form that can be filled.
4. The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
5. Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection.
6. A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your Endodontist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
7. The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
8. The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled.
9. In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth. If an Endodontist performs the treatment, he or she will recommend that you return to your family dentist for this final step.
10. The crown of the tooth is then restored.