How an Endodontist Can Save Your Teeth

endodontist Santa Rosa, CA

If you have one or more decayed teeth, an endodontist can help save your teeth. In previous times, decayed teeth simply had to be pulled. Patients would then need to live without the tooth. However, advances in endodontic medicine mean that your tooth may not need to be pulled at all.

What is an endodontist?

An endodontist works to maintain teeth through endodontic procedures. This involves working with the pulp of the teeth, which is a soft tissue. General and family dentists are also trained in endodontics. However, some types of tooth pain are more difficult to manage. An endodontist has the necessary experience to diagnose the tooth pain. An endodontist has also received at least two additional years of schooling in root canal therapy and other treatments.

How a root canal treatment works

To save a diseased tooth, an endodontist will need to perform a root canal. Sometimes, a patient will need to have to come in for multiple visits. This will depend on how badly the tooth is infected. First, the endodontist will provide an anesthetic. Next, a rubber dam will be placed around the tooth. This will help it stay dry during the root canal procedure.

The endodontist will then drill away the infected part of the tooth. The endodontist can then remove both the pulp and the nerve from the interior. Root canal files will be used to remove this material from the tooth. A small file is used at first and progressively larger ones are used as the interior space widens. The endodontist will flush out the debris with water.

If there was an infection, a medication may be placed inside the tooth. This can kill any remaining bacteria before the tooth is sealed up again. The patient might receive a temporary filling during this time. Once there are no remaining bacteria, the endodontist can seal up the area with a rubbery substance.

A tooth may require more restoration after it has been sealed up. Often, patients will receive a crown to further protect the tooth. This can prevent the tooth from breaking in the future. The endodontist can discuss this with the patient.

Success rate of root canal treatment

Root canal treatments are generally successful. Up to 90% of them have a positive effect. The good news is that even if a root canal did not work the first time, there are other options. An endodontist can do the root canal procedure again. However, choosing a skilled endodontist can help prevent the need for having another root canal treatment. Following post-procedure instructions can be beneficial for patients.

Visit an endodontist today

Even if you have extensive decay, your tooth can most likely still be saved. An endodontist can remove the infected parts and replace it with a rubbery sealant. This will prevent any decay or bacteria from spreading. It is a better idea to keep your teeth if you can and endodontics can help you do so.

Request an appointment here: https://santarosaendodontics.com or call Santa Rosa Endodontics at (707) 706-2143 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.

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