Categories: Endodontist

Why You Might Require Endodontic Surgery

A dentist may recommend endodontic treatment for various conditions that lead to tooth loss. Endodontic surgery aims to restore the function of natural teeth and prevent the spread of infection.

What is the role of an endodontist?

Endodontists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and conditions that affect the tooth's pulp. In addition, endodontists perform surgery to clear infections from tooth roots that are challenging to locate. Ultimately, endodontists strive to save diseased natural teeth from extraction if doing so does not compromise oral and general health.

Why might an endodontist recommend surgery?

Endodontic surgery can prevent the loss of a natural tooth, which ideally should last a lifetime. However, various conditions that interfere with dental health and longevity may warrant surgical intervention.

Post-root canal infection

A root canal procedure involves removing bacteria within a tooth's pulp; however, dental patients sometimes experience persistent pain and other symptoms following this treatment. Infections in hidden canals that do not appear on X-rays may be responsible for the discomfort. Therefore, an endodontist may use advanced imaging technology to locate the source before making an incision in the gum to access the root tip, reach the pulp, and clear the infection.

Excessive calcium deposits

Calcium can form in root canals due to age or the body's natural response to trauma or decay. Hard calcium deposits can interfere with a dentist's ability to enter narrow channels to find and clear an infection using standard instruments. However, an endodontist can surgically enter through the gum to remove the root tip and locate hidden canals with a high-powered dental microscope and 3D imagining. Then, a precision ultrasonic drill helps the surgeon remove the calcium before addressing the infection.

Dislodged permanent tooth

When trauma causes a tooth to dislodge, it is critical to see an endodontist immediately. An endodontist may reattach the tooth to its socket by splintering it to adjacent teeth if there are no infection signs. Otherwise, replacing the tooth may not be possible, and endodontic surgery may be necessary to remove infection below the gum line and within canals. If part of the natural tooth remains below the gum line, the endodontist can surgically remove it.

Sudden tooth discoloration

Sudden tooth darkening and discoloration may be due to trauma or untreated decay. Regardless of the cause, the tooth is no longer receiving adequate blood flow, causing its nerves to die. Infections may go undetected when teeth with dying nerves no longer cause pain, and saving them can be challenging. Although surgery may be necessary to access and remove the infection below the gum line, an endodontist may also recommend a tooth's removal.

Cracked tooth

Noticeable splits or cracks that extend up the side of a tooth from beneath the gum originate near the root and require prompt treatment by an endodontist. When the damage reaches the chewing surface, bacteria enter the tooth and infect the pulp. Endodontic surgery is necessary to clean out the infection and remove an irreparably damaged tooth.

Conclusion

Various circumstances can compromise oral and dental health. Fortunately, dentists with training to perform endodontic surgery can treat infections and damage that could compromise oral and overall health.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced professionals.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Endodontic Surgery in Ukiah, CA.

Recent Posts

How Endodontists Repair Cracked Teeth

Regardless of the severity, a cracked tooth requires immediate professional treatment. While minor cracks may only need treatment options like dental bonding, tooth extraction is necessary for severely damaged teeth. However, an endodontist can consider various options that other professionals may not offer. An endodontist usually treats cracked teeth that are too damaged for minor…

How Endodontic Therapy Can Save Your Natural Smile

When you have an infected or severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may seem the only option. However, endodontic therapy offers an alternative. It allows you to save your natural tooth and preserve your smile, avoiding the need for future tooth replacement. This procedure, commonly known as a root canal, is designed to remove infection,…

Root Canal Recovery: What To Expect After Undergoing Therapy

In many cases, root canal recovery is even simpler than the procedure itself. Patients who are nervous about their upcoming procedure have nothing to fear, as they will be able to return to their normal lives afterward. A root canal is an essential procedure that entails saving a patient’s tooth and keeping it functional over…

When You Might Need An Endodontist For A Root Canal Emergency

When dental patients are in need of a root canal, they may be referred to an endodontist for the procedure. Most patients receive this treatment in a timely manner, usually within a week or two of the last visit. However, there are situations where root canal treatment is more pressing and should be completed as…

Santa Rosa Endodontics

Share
Published by
Santa Rosa Endodontics

Recent Posts

How Endodontists Repair Cracked Teeth

An endodontist is a dental specialist who treats problems inside the tooth with the dental…

4 days ago

How Endodontic Therapy Can Save Your Natural Smile

When you have an infected or severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may seem the…

6 days ago

Root Canal Recovery: What to Expect After Undergoing Therapy

If pain or throbbing persists, keep the head elevated to decrease blood pressure at the…

1 month ago

When You Might Need an Endodontist for a Root Canal Emergency

Infections that move into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body can be dangerous, so…

1 month ago

What Type of Training Does an Endodontist Receive?

Going to the endodontist should be your first choice when you have tooth pain. This…

2 months ago

Tips to Prepare for Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can keep your damaged tooth intact.

2 months ago