If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, it could be a sign of inflammation or infection inside the tooth. To fix these problems, you may need endodontic treatment. Endodontic treatment focuses on preserving and restoring teeth by eliminating infection and inflammation so extraction can be avoided. While a dentist can diagnose and treat endodontic problems, an endodontic specialist may be needed. Left untreated, more serious problems could develop and eventually lead to the extraction of the tooth. Learn what dental issues require endodontic treatment from Federici Dental.
What Is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry; it focuses on treating the inner layers of a tooth, such as the pulp and nerves. The pulp is inside and at the center of the tooth that extends down to the root of the teeth and gums. The infection or inflammation of the pulp can cause tooth pain, sensitivity, and other dental issues. This can stem from:
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Infected and inflamed pulp tissue
- Abscess at the tooth’s root
- Oral injury
- Repeated dental work
You should seek endodontic treatment if you have injured a tooth or are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity.
What Are The Main Endodontic Treatments?
Certain dental issues will require endodontic treatment. Endodontic treatments can include:
- Root Canals: This is the most common endodontic procedure. Root canals are typically done to save a tooth from removal when the pulp of the tooth is infected, inflamed, or decaying. Infection is mostly caused by deep cavities, fractures/cracks, repeated dental treatments, or injuries. The root canal is performed by removing the infected pulp by cleaning the root canals and sealing them off. Patients will usually go under anesthesia, which means they will not feel any pain. Most root canal treatments only require a single dental appointment, but more may be necessary depending on your condition. Upon completion, a dental crown may be created to protect the treated tooth. In addition to preserving the natural tooth, root canal treatment also strengthens it and restores normal functioning.
- Apicoectomy: If a root canal is not enough to save an inflamed or infected tooth from removal, an apicoectomy will be needed to save the tooth. During the procedure, an endodontic surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissues to remove the infected tissue and clean the root tip. Then they will seal the root with a filling. Sutures will be finally used to hold the gum tissues in position. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, so patients won’t feel any pain. Patients should also expect to visit multiple times to ensure that the sutures are removed and that the gums are healing properly. When the bone heals fully, the patients should stop experiencing any symptoms.
Get Endodontic Treatment Today!
At Federici Dental, we strive to provide quality and comprehensive dental services in Manahawkin, NJ. We offer a variety of dental treatments for those of all ages. If you’re seeking a consultation, contact us today! If you have any questions or concerns, our doctors and staff will be happy to help you.