A person might need to see an endodontist for a wide variety of problems, mainly relating to how they can save patients’ teeth. All endodontists are dentists because they have completed dental school, but they do two more years of specialized study in the techniques used to preserve a person’s dentition. So, if you are facing a problem that could threaten your bite, such as a severe infection or tooth loss, an endodontist is the professional to see.
Endodontists do many things, but the most common reasons that people visit them are to replace missing teeth or to address pain and infection that have progressed beyond a simple cavity. You might need to see an endodontist if any of these situations apply to you.
An endodontist prioritizes saving a tooth whenever possible. A person’s natural teeth are always more favorable than artificial replacements. However, this is not always feasible, and an endodontist can help you explore other options.
One of the most common things that an endodontist does is save teeth from decay and infection using a root canal. This procedure creates a hole in the tooth that enables the dentist to access the pulp chamber, where they remove infected tissue. Then, the tooth is filled and sealed to keep it strong over time.
Another reason that a person might visit an endodontist is to replace a missing tooth. Endodontists can install a dental implant, which uses a metal rod screwed directly into the jawbone. This helps restore the smile and stimulate the bone so it does not atrophy. Getting dental implants is an involved process that takes several months, but the results are long-lasting and visually appealing.
Sometimes, oral infections can creep into the gums, where bacteria and their waste create pockets of infection under the tissue. This may lead to abscesses, or pockets of pus and bacteria. Endodontists have the knowledge to treat these abscesses, whether through surgical means or less-invasive options, depending on the patient’s needs.
In certain instances, a person may have an issue with the interior of their tooth, such as an infection or fracture, but a root canal is not sufficient to treat the problem. Perhaps calcification has already occurred inside the tooth, stopping a standard root canal. In this situation, to preserve the functionality of the tooth, an endodontist might do an apicoectomy. This is the process of accessing the tip of the tooth root through the gums and performing the root canal from there.
An endodontist is a dental professional with the expertise of a general dentist and the additional skills and knowledge of techniques like root canals to save teeth. If you are facing an issue that could threaten your smile, our endodontist can help. Reach out to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.
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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