When Would You Need Endodontic Treatment?

According to the American Association of Endodontists, 25 million procedures are performed every year with about 89% of these patients recording total satisfaction from the treatment. contrary to what some may think, endodontics treatment in Flower Mound, TX, does not cause pain. On the contrary, it helps relieve pain by getting rid of the infected part of the tooth. As technology evolves, specialists are able to come up with ways to make the procedure even more comfortable so that patients consider it over extracting a tooth.

What is Endodontic Treatment?

The word endodontic is made up of two Greek words, ’endo’ which means inside and ‘odont’ which means tooth. Endodontic treatment therefore refers to medical procedures that treat the inside of a tooth where we have the pulp, nerves, root and soft tissues. It gives you the chance to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. You are probably more familiar with the term root canal, which is the common name used to refer to endodontic treatment.

When is it Needed?

Endodontic therapy is usually performed when there is evidence of an active infection in the pulp. When the pulp is attacked by bacteria and left untreated, the bacteria begins to multiply and this can spread to other parts, which may be fatal. Indications of a pulp infection include increased sensitivity cold and hot foods, tooth pain and sometimes tooth loss. As the infection advances, the symptoms may wear out and you may seem to have healed but the infection will actually have spread through the canal system to cause more severe symptoms like swelling of the gum around the affected tooth, excruciating tooth pain, oozing of pus and the tooth taking a darker color.

It is important that you understand that an infected pulp cannot heal on its own. So, if you develop any of the mentioned symptoms visit your dentist to determine if you will be needing endodontic treatment from dentist near you in Flower Mound. A tooth can become infected due to trauma, decay or having leaky fillings. And the sooner you seek treatment, the higher your chances of a successful endodontic treatment.

What is the Procedure Like?

Since this treatment aims to save the affected tooth, it works by removing part of the tooth that is affected. This will mean removing the tooth pulp, which includes the nerves, tissues and blood vessels. This part of the tooth plays no major role in the existence of a tooth, once it is fully erupted. Therefore, having it taken out will not affect how the tooth functions. However, since the nerves will be removed, you will not loose the ability to sense temperature differences with the affected tooth.

Prior to beginning the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. The tooth being treated will then be isolated using a rubber dam to prevent any debris or fluid from the site of infection from getting into contact with other parts. Access is then created at the top of tooth to locate the canal and removed the infected tissue. Afterwards the area will be thoroughly cleaned and then permanently sealed and filled. The part of the tooth that was cut to give access will then be built up and then covered with a dental crown.

The number of visits it takes to complete an endodontic therapy will depend on the extent of infection, number of roots affected and degree of difficulty involved. After the procedure is completed you will still need to come in for regular check-ups to monitor how you are doing.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the final phase of your endodontic treatment, your tooth will no longer be painful but it may remain sensitive for a few days. Your doctor will prescribe you medications to deal with any discomfort. in between treatment and during recovery, you will have to avoid eating hard foods. You also need to continue practicing good oral hygiene and if you smoked before, you will have to quit in order to prevent the infection from rising again.

If you are considering getting endodontics treatment near you, Smiles Craft Dental has a specialist dentist and the needed technology to solve your problem.

Accept All Major Insurances