Root canal treatment is the most common procedure that an endodontist performs. The process can save a damaged tooth that might otherwise need complete extraction. A root canal treats and preserves millions of teeth each year, according to the American Academy of Endodontists. You may need root canal treatment if imaging tests show damage in the dental pulp. The pulp is the only part of the tooth with nerves and blood vessels.
When the pulp suffers from infection or inflammation, root canal treatment is necessary. An endodontist may decide to perform a root canal to restore the tooth’s function. Without treatment, the infection may spread to other parts of the body. There are cases when the problem can become life-threatening. If a patient needs a root canal procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp has to be removed immediately.
During a root canal, the endodontist will ask the patient to sit on a chair and lie on their back. They will administer local anesthesia to numb the inside of the patient’s mouth. Then, the endodontist will place a tiny tarp over the affected tooth to isolate the infected area from the rest of the mouth. The endodontist will access the diseased pulp and remove it. Then, they will clean the area before filling the disinfected space and seal the tooth.
Apicoectomy is a treatment option when root canal therapy is not enough to fix the problem. An endodontist may recommend this procedure if the patient has calcium deposits. This condition makes a root canal implausible. If the patient underwent a root canal but the tooth pain did not subside, an endodontist may also recommend an apicoectomy. This procedure involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root and filling the root end cavity.
Besides root canal and apicoectomy, endodontists also perform treatments for cracked teeth. The damage could be due to physical injury or natural wear and tear. Symptoms range from erratic pain when chewing food to sudden discomfort upon consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. An endodontist specializes in saving not only decayed teeth but also fractured teeth. Methods used to fix the damage depend on the type of cracked teeth a patient has. The endodontist also considers the location and extent of the crack to decide on the right approach.
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Tooth pain is the most common warning sign that might suggest you need root canal therapy. The discomfort may be mild or severe and could decrease or increase throughout the day. The pain may also intensify when biting or chewing. Other noticeable signs include deep tooth decay and pimples on the gums. Also, watch out for swollen, tender, or discolored gums. Lingering teeth sensitivity may also suggest it is time to see an endodontist.
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For pain in your teeth, an endodontist is the right person to see for relief. This dentist focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections that affect the nerve and roots of the tooth. Ignoring tooth pain or putting off an appointment can lead to further problems. To confirm that you have an abscessed…
Dentists often refer patients to an endodontist for root canal therapy to treat issues such as a tooth infection, dental abscess, severe tooth decay, and tooth damage. However, you can also visit an endodontist directly for diagnosis. This article highlights four signs that indicate a potential need for endodontic treatment.An endodontist can treat issues related…
An endodontist is a special kind of dentist who can treat damaged or diseased dental pulp. The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth which consists of soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. An endodontist’s education goes beyond the four-year general dentistry program. The extra training that endodontists complete usually takes two to three…