Endodontic treatments and procedures are specialized dental treatments that involve the inner parts of the tooth, such as the root canals and pulp. The most common endodontic procedure is root canal treatment, which is done to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, which is the core layer of the tooth, or the canals that support the pulp become inflamed or infected. Infection is mainly caused by deep cavities, fractures or cracks, repeated dental treatments, or injuries. If left untreated, inflammation or infection could cause severe discomfort, abscesses, and eventually tooth loss.
Symptoms, although different for each individual, include tooth sensitivity, recurrent shooting pain, discoloration of the teeth, swelling of the gums, or tenderness deep in the bone. Symptoms are not always obvious and an x-ray may be required for diagnosis. If the dentist notices any of the signs, he or she will recommend a root canal procedure to save the tooth, eliminate the infection, and relieve pain. Root canal treatment is performed by removing infected pulp, meticulously cleaning root canals and sealing. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, which means you won't feel any pain.
Your dentist will make sure you feel comfortable before starting treatment. Root canal treatment usually requires a single dental appointment, but more may be needed depending on your condition. Upon completion, the dentist will send an impression of your teeth to the dental laboratory so that a dental crown can be created to protect the treated tooth. Root canal treatment is usually sufficient to prevent the removal of an inflamed or infected tooth. Sometimes, it may not be enough to heal the tooth and surrounding tissues.
In such cases, a surgical procedure known as an apicectomy will be needed to save the tooth. If the pulp or root canal is infected, endodontic procedures are the best way to prevent tooth extraction. Talk to your dentist about treatment if you start to notice symptoms of an infection. Early Treatment Increases Chances of Success with Endodontics. During an apicectomy procedure, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. A small opening is created in the bone above the tip of the root to expose the area of disease.
The diseased tissue is removed and the root tip is cleaned and sealed with a root end filler. Sutures are used to hold gum tissue in place. Surgical endodontic treatment is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure should not be painful. Baur takes extra precautions before starting any treatment to ensure that patients are comfortable and that the tooth and surrounding tissues are fully anesthetized.
Endodontic surgery is completed in one appointment. A second visit, usually one week after surgery, is needed to remove any sutures that are still present and to check the healing of the gum tissues. The bone will heal naturally around the root for a period of months, during which time the patient should not have any symptoms. All dentists, including your general dentist, received endodontic training at dental school. General dentists can perform endodontic procedures in conjunction with other dental procedures, but they often refer patients who need endodontic treatment to endodontists. From a broken tooth to a vertical root fracture and any other type of crack, an endodontist will take steps to repair the damage and relieve pain. An apicectomy is a form of surgery that an endodontist can resort to when the infection is deep in the bone.
When you entrust your care to a board-certified endodontist, you can be sure that you are receiving the highest level of service. Keep reading to learn more about cases and procedures for which your dentist can refer you to an endodontist. While a regular dentist is perfectly capable of diagnosing the problem causing the pain, an endodontist is a specialist who will take care of your treatment. After cleaning and shaping the space, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. However, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts longer than a few days, call your endodontist. If you have a toothache and think you could benefit from the services of an endodontist, start by scheduling an appointment with your family dentist here in Salisbury, MD. However, the exact treatment may differ from case to case and also depends on what your endodontist thinks would be best for you. Through this additional training, the endodontist has gained in-depth knowledge in several specialties, including root canal treatments (among other procedures).
An endodontist is a highly trained dental professional who solves problems within the tooth using specialized techniques. After your last visit with your endodontist, you should return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on your tooth to protect it and return it to full working order. An endodontist is perfectly capable of diagnosing the underlying cause of the pain and treating it accordingly. Endodontists also have experience in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose. So if you have no idea what an endodontist does and plan to undergo a procedure that falls under this category now is an excellent time to learn what this field is all about.
