An endodontist can help you save your natural teeth after one or more of them become decayed and/or infected. Endodontists perform root canal therapy, in addition to other endodontic procedures, which is usually recommended when there are no other viable alternatives to save a damaged natural tooth.
Many patients are not as familiar with what an endodontist does and how they can help save natural teeth as they are with the role of a general or family dentist. This review discusses in detail the role that an endodontist plays in dentistry and why you should consider visiting one for a severely decayed, damaged, or infected tooth.
An endodontist is a dental specialist that treats issues related to the dental pulp in the root of a tooth. Dental pulp can become infected or damaged when the root of the tooth is exposed due to deep tooth decay or dental trauma. Endodontists are trained in saving these teeth, which are usually at an incredible risk of falling out or needing extraction.
The primary procedure that endodontists perform is known as root canal therapy. This procedure involves accessing the pulp chamber in the tooth’s root, removing the decayed or infected dental pulp, and filling the tooth with a substitute material (which is known as gutta-percha). Many endodontists also perform other procedures such as apicoectomy and cracked tooth treatment. Many can place dental restorations to complete the endodontic process (e.g. dental crowns).
You should see an endodontist (or a dentist may provide a referral to an endodontist) if you have symptoms of deep tooth decay or a tooth infection. The following are common symptoms:
Tooth sensitivity is usually at its worst when the tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures from the air, drinks, food, etc. Gum complications are also common with tooth infections and deep tooth decay. In some instances, patients report a fever or swollen lymph nodes that are related to tooth infection.
Additionally, there are usually visible signs of damage to the tooth. This is usually in the form of severe decay to the tooth or signs of dental trauma (i.e. chips or cracks).
General dentists do not always perform more invasive procedures such as root canal therapy. Instead, they may provide a referral to an endodontist when the procedure is necessary to save natural teeth. An endodontist usually only treats issues related to the tooth root, although this may include tooth restorations.
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If you are having issues with one or more of your teeth that indicate an infection and/or deep tooth decay, or if you have a referral for an endodontist from your family dentist, then call our endodontic team today to schedule a visit.
Request an appointment or call Saman Malkami DMD at 714-459-8002 for an appointment in our Fullerton office.
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