Endodontic treatment can play a significant role when it comes to saving a damaged or infected tooth. Many people associate endodontists only with root canals, but several specialized procedures are designed to preserve natural teeth.
Playing an active role in your oral health means understanding your options. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common endodontic procedures we offer.
Root Canal Treatment
The idea of a root canal can send some people into a panic, although they have become almost as routine as a dental filling. This treatment is necessary when the soft tissue inside the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma. And it can be very painful.
A root canal relieves that pain. During the procedure, the infected pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleansed and disinfected, including all of the tiny root canals. The tooth is then sealed to prevent future infection.
Endodontic Retreatment
Root canal treatment has a high success rate. Still, there are times when a tooth may not heal as it should or may become infected again. This could happen right away or months after the initial procedure.
Endodontic retreatment is just as it sounds. It is another opportunity to try to save the tooth. The tooth will be reopened and carefully inspected, with close attention paid to the canals. Any infection found will be removed, and the tooth will be cleansed and sealed once again. This second attempt helps patients to avoid extraction.
Endodontic Surgery
There are cases in which a root canal and retreatment do not fully resolve the issue. When this happens, endodontic surgery may be necessary. The most common? An apicoectomy.
Sometimes referred to as root-end surgery, it involves approaching the tooth from a different angle. An incision is made in the gum tissue, and the tip of the tooth’s root is removed, as well as any surrounding infected tissue. It is then sealed so that the tooth can heal.
Dental Trauma Treatment
Accidents can happen at any age, such as sports injuries or falls. Cracks or a knocked-out tooth can result.
Each situation is different, but as endodontists, we specialize in evaluating and treating traumatic dental injuries. The specifics of the treatment will depend on the injury, but could involve root canal treatment, repositioning a dislodged tooth, or monitoring a tooth as it heals.
The more swift the action after dental trauma, the more likely the tooth will be saved. The goal of an endodontist is always to relieve your discomfort while preserving your natural tooth whenever possible. Be confident in your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who receives additional training in diagnosing tooth pain and performing treatments involving the dental pulp and root canals.
How long does a root canal take?
About 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the status of the tooth. Most root canals can be completed in one visit, although more complex cases may require a second appointment.
Is a root canal painful?
Today’s root canal treatment is performed using local anesthesia and advanced techniques. You will not feel any pain during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some minor discomfort temporarily.
Why would I need root canal treatment?
Retreatment may be recommended if the original treatment did not fully heal, new decay develops, the restoration fails, or additional infection occurs inside the tooth.
Can an infected tooth always be saved?
Many endodontic procedures work well to save an ailing tooth, but not always. Sometimes, it may be necessary to extract the tooth.
At Towson Endodontics, we provide expert care that helps preserve your natural teeth whenever possible. If you have been experiencing tooth pain or have been referred for specialized treatment, contact our office today.
