When Would You Need to See an Endodontist?
To understand the essence of endodontics, it is first necessary that you understand the anatomy of the tooth. The visible part of our teeth that protrudes above the gums is the enamel. Under the enamel is the dentin layer that is more porous and protects the soft tissues and blood vessels at the center of the tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp is the part of the tooth that is alive. In addition to the blood vessels that nourish the tooth, it also has nerves that give the sensation. The hollow chamber that contains the pulp is what is called the root canal. A root canal may also be sometimes used to refer to a type of endodontic treatment, root canal therapy.
The Purpose of Endodontic Treatment
Anytime there is an issue with the pulp of your tooth, you will be referred to an endodontist. Endodontics in Richmond, TX, can help save a tooth and alleviate any pain associate with the condition of the pulp. In most cases, the pulp will need treatment if it is inflamed or infected. It is only an endodontist that can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. if you fail to get treatment for an infected or inflamed tooth, there is a risk of developing an abscess which further complicates your oral and overall wellness.
Endodontics treatment in 77469 at Silverstone Dental aims for the following:
- To disinfect inflamed or infected root canals
- To remove any damaged or infected pulp (blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves)
- To thoroughly clean the root canal system to prevent repeat infections
- To reshape the root canal system is there is a need to
- To fill the root canal after removal of the pulp which prevents re-infection and promotes healing
What Dental Problems Require Endodontic Treatment?
Endodontics in Sugarland, TX, focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases that affect the dental pulp, the tooth’s root, and the surrounding tissues. Some of the problems they can be able to help with include:
- Root fractures
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth that may expose the pulp.
- Advanced tooth decay that has spread into or near the pulp
- Problematic or abnormal tooth anatomy
- Presence of calcium deposits in the root canal
- Periodontal disease that is as a result of an infected tooth
- Inflamed or infected tooth pulp
Symptoms that could be indicating the need for endodontic treatment include:
- Any signs of inflammation around the gums. This could be accompanied by pain too.
- Swelling or tenderness of the lymph nodes
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Pain in the mouth, jaw, or tooth with or without chewing.
How Does an Endodontist Make A Diagnosis?
Before starting any kind of treatment, it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis for your symptoms. Most endodontics near you will provide the following tests to confirm what is ailing you:
- General oral exam to check if you have any decayed, cracked, or chipped teeth. your physician will also check for any abnormal tissues while taking your dental and medical history into account.
- Temperature sensitivity tests and tooth tapping
- Pulp tests to determine if your tooth pulp can be saved or not
- Imaging tests to show the extent f tooth decay and to look out for any additional problems. dental x-rays and CT scans are the most common imaging tests used.
- In cases where medical imaging and oral exams cannot detect a problem, diagnostic surgery may have to be carried out to try and spot the problem.
Common Endodontic Procedures in Richmond, TX
Root canals are the most common endodontic procedure. it is a non-surgical way of removing the diseased and damaged pulp. The root canal is completely cleaned out, filled, and then sealed. It is the best way to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. The pulp can become infected due to deep cavities, fractures or cracks, and repeat dental works or injuries. Another procedure is root surgery which involves the repair and removal of a diseased root and the surrounding tissue.
Less common procedures include apicoectomy and intentional replantation. The first refers to the surgical removal of the root tip and damaged tissue while the latter is the surgical removal of a tooth, treating it, and then re-inserting it.