Most people know going to a dentist at least twice a year is imperative to your oral, and overall, health. However, you may also need to see an endodontist in addition to your primary dentist. Endodontics is a branch of dentistry and endodontists are doctors who specialize in saving your teeth by working with dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of your teeth.
Below are a few reasons why you may need endodontic services.
1. Root canal
You may need a root canal for a variety of reasons including a cracked tooth, infection or trauma. You will generally work with both a dentist and an endodontist when you need a root canal. The endodontist will remove the nerve, or pulp tissue, to help fix the pain or discomfort. For this procedure, most people are not sedated but are given a numbing agent. You should not feel much pain or discomfort during the procedure, and once the procedure is finished, you will have a permanent filling or a crown. Your pain relief should be almost immediate.
2. Endodontic Surgery
There are times when a root canal won’t be enough and your endodontist will need to perform additional surgery. This procedure could be used to clean the end of the root, locate fractures or remove calcium deposits in root canals. A root-end-resection, also known as an apicoectomy, is the most common surgery performed to save a tooth. Your endodontist will walk you through the type of surgical procedure you may need. You can also visit pearldentalep.com for more information on endodontic surgeries.
3. Cracked Teeth
A tooth can crack after an injury or from normal wear and tear and it can lead to pain when chewing or discomfort when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Oftentimes an endodontist can treat a cracked tooth as long as the crack is above the gumline. If it goes below the gumline, you will most likely need a root canal.
4. Dental Trauma
Most trauma to the teeth comes after an accident or perhaps a sports-related injury. Teeth can be knocked out, chipped or dislodged and it’s important to see an endodontist as soon as possible after the injury. If a tooth has been knocked out and you can recover it, you should bring it with you when you see the dentist or endodontist. They will be able to evaluate the trauma and tell you the best course of action to take to repair the tooth or teeth.
Endodontists care about saving your teeth and protecting your beautiful smile! For more information about endodontic services, please visit pearldentalep.com.
