A Basic Guide To Endodontics
If your tooth’s pulp or inner tissues are decayed to diseased, your dentist can save your tooth with endodontic procedures. This way, your discomfort is eliminated, and you get to keep your tooth. Endodontic procedures target to clean out infection from the inner tissues of the teeth, usually the pulp or nerve. The word endodontic is derived from “endo,” which means inside, and “odont,” meaning tooth.
Keep in mind that the earlier the treatment, the higher the chances of success. If you’re considering endodontic treatment, you should speak with your dentist near you for an exam. The dentist will review your condition and advise you accordingly. For a specialist dentist in Fort Atkinson, contact Rock River Dental.
Endodontists are highly skilled and trained dental specialists. Endodontists use advanced techniques to diagnose, manage, and treat tooth pain, infections, and diseases involving root tissues and dental pulp. Unlike a regular dentist Elkhorn, an endodontist has two or more year’s additional training.
Should You See an Endodontist?
There are several reasons why you can see an endodontist. These include:
- Tooth Pain
Toothache is one of the most common dental issues. Tooth pain can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult to chew and eat properly. Mainly, tooth pain is caused by tooth decay and infections. Your endodontist will clean out the inflammation or bacterial infection in the tooth, eliminating the pain and infection.
- Sensitivity
When the tooth’s pulp is infected or decayed, they can cause sensitivity to heat and cold. The sensitivity can be cleared by removing the affected tissues and nerves.
- Discolored Tooth
While numerous factors can cause tooth stains or discoloration, an infected pulp is a possible cause. When the nerves are decayed, they can release harmful acids to the tooth, causing discoloration.
- Swelling
When bacteria get into the pulp, it spreads all the way to the root. When the nerves and inner tissues are infected, it can cause swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.
- Tooth Damage
If your tooth is dislodged, knocked out, broken, or fractured, it can expose the tooth’s pulp to bacteria. The endodontist can perform a root canal and fill the tooth.
Risks of Pulp Infection
Numerous factors can increase your risk of getting a pulp infection. These include:
- Cavities
- Poor dental hygiene
- High consumption of sugary foods and beverages
- Cracked, fractured, knocked out, chipped, or broken tooth
What to Expect in an Endodontist Office
When you visit an endodontist, they will begin by asking you a few questions about your oral and overall health. After that, they use advanced techniques to determine the cause of your problem. These can include:
- Visual Exam – They will look at your teeth for possible signs of infections and diseases.
- Dental X-rays – To get more precise details of your tooth’s inner structures, a dental x-ray is essential
- Hot or Cold Swabs – The endodontist touches the affected tooth with cold or hot swabs to test for sensitivity.
- Tapping on Teeth – The endodontist may tap different teeth and parts of the tooth to look for infection and determine the extent of the infection.
Common Endodontic Procedures
If your endodontist diagnosis any infections in the pulp, they are likely to perform the following procedures:
- Root Canal
It’s the most common procedure for saving a decayed or inflamed tooth. If infection or inflammation is left untreated, it can cause severe pain, sensitivity, tooth discoloration, swelling, abscess, and eventually tooth extraction. The endodontist performs a root canal to clear the infection, alleviate pain, and save the tooth.
Generally, a root canal is completed in a single appointment. During a root canal treatment, the dentist begins by administering anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort. They then drill a small hole into the affected tooth. Special tools are used to remove the infected tissues and nerves.
The tooth is cleaned and disinfected to avoid re-infection. The tooth is then filled and sealed off. If necessary, the dentist can recommend placing a dental crown over the tooth for additional strength and protection.
- Apicoectomy (Surgical Endodontics)
After a root canal treatment, an apicoectomy surgery can be necessary. This surgery seeks to save a tooth by healing the surrounding tissues. The endodontist begins by administering local anesthesia to keep you relaxed throughout the procedure.
They make an incision in the gum tissues to gain access to the underlying bone. A tiny opening in the bone is made on the tooth’s tip to expose the infected area. The dentist in Fort Atkinson, WI removes the infected tissues, cleans out the root’s tip, and fills to seal off the root. The endodontist uses sutures to hold gum tissues in position. A follow-up appointment is necessary to remove existing sutures and ensure the gums are healing properly.
Schedule An Appointment
Are you considering endodontics near you in Fort Atkinson? Contact Rock River Dental to book your appointment today.