Endodontists specialize in treating the pulp, nerve, and associated structures of the teeth. They can diagnose, treat and manage problems related to the pulp of your tooth. If you have a toothache or any other symptoms that you suspect may be caused by pulp problems, it is important to seek treatment from an endodontist. Here are some reasons why you should visit an endodontist.
Pain
Tooth pain is a common symptom resulting from dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and infections. You should visit an endodontist if you have pain near or around your tooth or teeth. You may have a toothache, usually accompanied by swelling, redness, and sensitivity to hot and cold. Endodontists are specialized in treating pain from dental pulp issues, such as abscesses and root canal treatments. If you have been experiencing chronic tooth pain for more than two days, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an endodontist who can perform x-rays and determine whether there is a problem with the root canal system inside your tooth. You should see an endodontist as soon as possible since the condition can worsen if not treated.
Tooth Injury History
It is important to visit your dentist immediately after any injury to your teeth or mouth. Injuries such as chipped or fractured teeth, broken or lost crowns or fillings, and cracked or fractured root surfaces may require root canal therapy. If untreated, these injuries can cause infection in the pulp of your tooth and lead to major complications like abscesses which need urgent attention from an endodontist for proper treatment.
Saving Teeth
If you have a tooth that has been infected with dental caries, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to save the tooth from extraction. The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth, and it contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp can become infected when bacteria get into the tooth through cracks or chips in the enamel. A root canal treatment is needed to remove this infected pulp and clean out any debris from inside the tooth’s root canal system. After cleaning, an endodontist will fill the space with gutta-percha (a plastic-like substance) and seal it with special cement that protects against bacteria entering the root canal system.
Root Canal
The root canal is a treatment that removes the nerve, bacteria, and tooth decay from inside the dental pulp of a tooth. It can be performed on any tooth in your mouth, but it’s most common to have one done on a molar. The goal of root canal retreatment and therapy is to save your natural tooth. If you have a root canal procedure done correctly, you’ll avoid losing the tooth and being forced to get an expensive dental implant or bridge instead. The process begins by numbing the area with local anesthesia. Then, your endodontist drills into the tooth’s center to access the pulp chamber. They will then clean out all infected tissue, sterilize and fill this space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The final step is sealing up any remaining spaces in your tooth with more gutta-percha and filling those areas with sealant resin that hardens over time.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are suffering from a toothache, chipped tooth, infected wisdom teeth, or have been told that you need root canal therapy, you should strongly consider visiting an endodontist to save your tooth and avoid further pain. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating the inside of your teeth and jawbone. They can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan for your dental problems. They use the skills they learned during dental school and take continuing education classes throughout their careers. This article covers reasons why you need to visit an endodontist.