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Rob Munce has enjoyed a career in dentistry for over 30 years. He graduated with his D.D.S. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in 1977. Two years of general practice followed in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario.
Rob is a member of several professional organizations, including the Burlington Dental Academy, the Ontario and Canadian Dental Associations, the Canadian Academy of Endodontics, and the American Association of Endodontists.
For several years, Rob was a teaching associate at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Toronto where he taught with the undergraduate Endodontic program. He also was a dental staff member at Hamilton General Hospital and instructed in the dental intern program there.
Rob is married with three children and one grandchild. He enjoys a variety of travel experiences, skiing, photography and cooking—many of these with family.
Your guide to Endodontic TreatmentYou're probably reading this because your dentist or endodontist said you need endodontic tratment. If so, you're not alone. More than 14 million teeth receive endodontic treatment each year. By choosing endodontic treatment, you are choosing to keep your natural teeth as a heathly foundation for chewing and biting for years to come. If you've never had endodontic treatment --- also known as "root canal treatment" --- or if it's been many years since your last procedure, you many have questions or outdated expectations.
What is endodontic treatment?"Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is Greek for "tooth." Endontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth's growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Why would I need an endodontic procedure?
Signs of pulp damage include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?Many endodontic procedures are performed to relive the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow Dr. Munce's instructions carefully. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure, or pain that lasts more than a few days, call Dr. Munce.
Endodontic ProcedureEndodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits and involves the following steps:
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"We can't wait to see you."Dr. Munce's office is located at 3155 Harvester Road. Suite 405 in Burlington. Our highly trained staff are here to ensure the best level of comfort and service. Contact us by phone: 905-632-3456 Contact us by fax: 905-632-6061 Contact us by email: info@drmunce.com
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New online appointment booking form coming soon. What is endodontics?Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp; the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp, and associated periradicular conditions. The scope of endodontics includes, but is not limited to:
The endodontic specialist is responsible for the advancement of endodontic knowledge through research; the transmission of information concerning the most recent advances in biologically acceptable procedures and materials; and the education of the public as to the importance of endodontics in keeping the dentition in a physiologically functional state for the maintenance of oral and systemic health.
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A passion for Endodontics led to Temple University in Philadelphia where he received his Certificate in Endodontology in 1981. Rob returned to Burlington, Ontario with his family and has practised here since 1981.
His other professional qualifications include Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International, Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and Member of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. He also has certificates in Microscopic Endodontics and Microscopic Endodontic Surgery from the University of Pennsylvania.
Rob has been President of the Burlington Dental Academy twice(1985 -86 and 2009-10) and President of the Ontario Society of Endodontists.
To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.
Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, a blow to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, if can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
1. The endodontist examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. After the tooth is numb the endodontist places a small protective sheet called a "dental dam" over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
2. The endodontist makes and opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals, and to shape for filling.
3. After the space is cleaned and shaped, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called "gutta-percha". The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored.
4. After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
If the tooth lacks sufficient structure to hold the restoration in place, your dentist or endodontist may place a post inside the tooth. Ask Dr. Munce or your dentist for more details about the specific restoration planned for your tooth.
