A natural, healthy smile is one of the most important aspects of maintaining oral health and personal confidence. Endodontics offers a way to preserve a natural tooth even when it becomes severely damaged or infected. Typically, an endodontist accomplishes this through root canal therapy. Whether you have been referred by a dental provider or are seeking endodontics on your own, there are multiple benefits to seeing an endodontist.
Endodontics is the field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating issues involving the soft tissue inside the tooth (the pulp). When the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected, such as due to deep decay or traumatic injury, it will need to be removed or otherwise treated to save the tooth. Prompt treatment helps the patient avoid pain, discomfort, and tooth loss.
Root canal therapy is the most common treatment in endodontics. This procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the tooth's inner chambers, and then sealing it to prevent further infection. Not only does a root canal eliminate pain, but it preserves the smile by avoiding tooth extraction.
An endodontist may use other treatments to preserve the smile. They may perform an apicoectomy, which is the surgical removal of the root tip to treat infection, or an endodontic retreatment to redo a failed root canal. Endodontists can also treat dental traumas such as cracked or dislodged teeth.
One of the primary goals of endodontics is to save the natural tooth. When a tooth is extracted or lost, it leaves the neighboring teeth free to shift and the underlying bone unstimulated. Shifting can cause problems with bite alignment and smile function, while a lack of jawbone stimulation can shrink the bone and alter the appearance of the face.
In contrast, preserving the natural tooth through endodontic treatment helps maintain the structure and stability of the smile. Natural teeth are typically more functional and durable than artificial replacements like dental bridges or implants. Keeping the natural tooth also means maintaining the tooth’s root, which plays a key role in supporting the surrounding bone structure.
Most patients are referred to an endodontist by their regular dentist, such as after identifying deep tooth decay during a dental checkup. Other times, patients notice signs that motivate them to seek endodontics via self-referral. Common signs that a patient may benefit from endodontics include:
While there is no need to panic, do not wait to consult an endodontist if these signs and symptoms are present. Prompt treatment can prevent complications, alleviate pain, and preserve the smile.
Endodontics strives to preserve as much of the natural smile as possible. If you have been referred to an endodontist or think you may benefit from seeing one, contact our team at Advanced Endodontic Therapy. We provide endodontic treatments that support the long-term oral health of patients in Omaha and nearby.
Request an appointment here: https://omaha.advancedendotherapy.com or call Advanced Endodontic Therapy at (402) 506-7111 for an appointment in our Omaha office.
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