Endodontics is a type of dentistry primarily concerned on the health of the oral tissue found in the pulp cavity, which is located in the root of the tooth. It is important to recognize the signs of an endodontic issue, such as a tooth infection, in order to receive prompt, necessary treatment and ensure the issue does not worsen.
A guide to endodontics
Endodontist offer treatment procedures such as root canal therapy for tooth infections, and they are highly skilled and trained in several more invasive dental procedures. The following is a complete overview of what an endodontist does and how the treatment process works.
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is an important branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosis, treatment and prevention of issues related to the dental pulp, which is soft tissue and other substances that make up the root of the tooth. Endodontists play an important role in oral health diagnosis and treatment.
Whereas a general dentist may understand basic endodontic information, an endodontist receives additional education and training on issues related to the tooth pulp. Of course, an endodontist may also practice under another title, and they may also be general dentists, family dentists, etc. The main difference is that a dentist who specializes in endodontics is more likely to offer and perform treatment options related to the tooth pulp, such as root canal therapy.
When to visit an endodontist
There are certain times when visiting an endodontist is more beneficial than visiting an ordinary general dentist. Several of the more common issues that an endodontist can handle include the following:
- Severe toothache
- Severe sensitivity
- Fractured tooth
- Pulp inflammation
- Swollen gums
It may be best to visit your regular dentist for minor symptoms as the cause may not be serious. However, any time a tooth infection is likely, visiting a dentist who is trained in endodontics is highly recommended. An endodontist can conduct an oral examination, diagnose the issue and properly treat the underlying cause.
About a root canal procedure
Although endodontic retreatment, repositioning a damaged tooth and an apicoectomy are common endodontic procedures, the most common type of treatment an endodontist administers is root canal therapy, which is used to treat an infection of the tooth pulp. If left untreated, a tooth infection may lead to tooth loss, and a root canal procedure replaces the infected pulp with a healthy substitute material, which relieves the discomforting symptoms and preserves the health of the tooth long-term. In many instances, the endodontist may place a dental crown following a root canal procedure.
Endodontics preserves the health of the tooth
Endodontics is a very important field of dentistry, and it helps many patients keep their teeth healthy and pain-free for many more decades, whereas the tooth may have fallen out without treatment. If you are interested in learning more about endodontics and want to find out how treatment may benefit you specifically, consult with us today and schedule a time to come in for an initial consultation.
Are you considering endodontics treatment in the Santa Rosa area? Get more endodontics information at https://santarosaendodontics.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What is an Endodontist in Santa Rosa, CA.
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