An endodontist is a dental specialist with the advanced education and training to treat diseases and infections within a tooth's structure. Patients usually seek endodontic care when standard treatment cannot address tooth pain.
The ultimate goal of endodontic dentistry involves saving natural teeth. To that end, endodontists typically perform three procedures within a tooth's internal structure to avoid extraction.
Endodontists perform root canal therapy more than any other procedure. The treatment involves drilling a hole through a tooth to access, remove, and treat infection within the root canal. After removing the canal's infected pulp and nerves, dental filler is added to keep out bacteria.
Sometimes root canal therapy does not eliminate pain, and an apicoectomy is necessary. The procedure involves clearing infection from the root tip and within root canals that are invisible on X-rays. It requires the practitioner to make an incision in the gum and remove some of the bone.
Teeth can crack above or below the gum line, causing infection and pain. Possible treatments involve crowning, root canal, or apicoectomy therapy.
Endodontists complete additional years of dental school to obtain the skills necessary to diagnose and treat the cause of tooth pain that may not be apparent to other dentists. In addition, these practitioners have the skills to detect nuances of the following symptoms, which are vital for formulating an effective treatment plan.
Patients who experience sharp pain while biting or chewing may have teeth with pulp damage or cracks below the gum line. An endodontic examination coupled with X-rays can confirm a diagnosis to ensure the appropriate treatment.
Bacteria can destroy a tooth's pulp and cause a pus-filled pocket to form at a root's tip as bacteria move through the root canal. This process often causes tissue death, leading to tooth discoloration. Extensive training enables an endodontist to diagnose an internal tooth infection as an underlying cause of pain based on the type and extent of tooth discoloration.
Tooth sensitivity upon contact with hot and cold substances has many causes. Endodontic training is critical for diagnosing tooth sensitivity due to pulp inflammation and can salvage a compromised tooth.
Pain from a tooth abscess can radiate to the head, neck, or ear. Endodontic training helps a practitioner detect an infection causing radial pain, even with slight tooth pain. Further exploration with X-rays can confirm suspicions of an inner tooth abscess or jaw infection.
Endodontic training pinpoints the reason for patients' ongoing pain following standard root canal treatment, which should eliminate it. In addition, the provider relies upon experience and knowledge to diagnose pain when evidence of compromised tissue escapes diagnostic imaging.
When a general dentist has difficulty diagnosing a patient's tooth pain, an endodontist often has the training and knowledge necessary to confirm its cause. A proper assessment of tooth pain is essential to ensure effective treatment and avoid further complications.
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Regardless of the severity, a cracked tooth requires immediate professional treatment. While minor cracks may only need treatment options like dental bonding, tooth extraction is necessary for severely damaged teeth. However, an endodontist can consider various options that other professionals may not offer. An endodontist usually treats cracked teeth that are too damaged for minor…
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When dental patients are in need of a root canal, they may be referred to an endodontist for the procedure. Most patients receive this treatment in a timely manner, usually within a week or two of the last visit. However, there are situations where root canal treatment is more pressing and should be completed as…
A root canal specialist can correct any problems that affect the pulp cavity. The internal parts of the tooth affect its health. Issues that occur will need immediate treatment. Here are the signs that you may need treatment from your root canal specialist.This happens when the individual consumes hot or cold foods and drinks. The…