When Do You Need to See an Endodontist?
When you experience tooth sensitivity, swelling, pain, and abscess, it is time to visit an endodontist near you because it may be a tooth infection. Endodontists specialize in treating problems that affect the inside of the tooth or the pulp. They get post-graduate training that equips them with the skills and tools to treat root canals and other procedures designed to save an infected tooth.
What Do Endodontists Do?
A root canal is one of the primary procedures that an Endodontist in Excelsior, MN, performs. Root canal or endodontic therapy removes the infected pulp to stop the spread of infection and save the teeth from extraction. Yes, a dentist near you can perform the root canal procedure, but the endodontists are more experienced in performing the procedure.
The root canal dentist can also perform endodontic retreatment. This procedure is done if the root canal treatment fails due to multiple canals.
Endodontic surgery can also be done if the nonsurgical procedures are unsuccessful. The dentist performs it to detect any small fractures and hidden canals. The procedure is also done to remove calcium deposits and treat root surfaces.
What Are the Signs You Need to See an Endodontist?
The pulp can get infected because of a bacterial infection or repeated dental procedures. When the pulp gets infected, you can experience different symptoms like:
- Persistent pain
Tooth pain is often an indicator of a crack, fracture, or food stuck between the gums. If you have severe and persistent pain, it can be a sign of infected pulp. The pain can spread to the bone of the tooth, face, jaw, or other teeth.
- Tooth sensitivity
Inside the pulp cavity, we have nerves that can become sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. You may experience slight sensitivity once in a while when you take in cold foods. But, if the sensitivity lingers even after removing the irritant, it could be a sign of an infection.
- Tooth discoloration
An infected pulp can cause tooth discoloration because the bacterial infection causes the breakdown of the internal tissue causing a grayish-black appearance. Furthermore, the infection causes the death of the pulp tissues, leading to an inadequate supply of blood and discoloration.
- Swollen gums
Dead pulp tissues produce acid waste in the gums, causing swelling outside the affected tooth. You may also have pimples, abscesses, or gum boils, worsening the toothache. The gums become tender and painful to the touch. Also, when the pimple oozes pus, it can cause an unpleasant taste and bad breath.
- Tooth mobility
The acidic wastes produced by an infected pulp can soften the bone around the root, causing the tooth to become loose. Nerve death can also contribute to tooth mobility.
How is the Root Canal Done?
The root canal procedure can be done in one or two dental visits, and the procedure involves:
- Examination
Our endodontist in Excelsior, MN, will examine the gums and take a radiograph of the teeth to check the severity of the infection. The dentist will numb the gums and use a protective sheet over the affected teeth to isolate teeth and keep them clean and dry.
- Cleaning
The dentist will drill the crown to access the pulp and remove the infected tissue. The area is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for a filling. The dentist will use gutta-percha is used to fill the canals, and adhesive cement seals the chamber to prevent bacteria from getting in and causing reinfection.
- Fixing the crowns
It is important to get dental crowns to complete the root canal. The dentist will use a temporary filling to cover the teeth as you wait for the permanent crowns to be made. These crowns restore the function and strength of the teeth and prevent a fracture.
How Can You Prevent a Root Canal Infection?
Endodontic infection is preventable with proper dental hygiene. Additionally, get a regular dental assessment, cleaning, and fluoride treatments to strengthen the teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Excelsior Town Dental for more information about the root canal treatment and what you can expect.