If you have dental discomfort or sensitivity, you might be concerned about whether your tooth can be preserved. Fortunately, a damaged or infected tooth can be saved with endodontic therapy, generally known as a root canal. But how does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
Even though many people may be afraid of getting a root canal, it is often the best way to keep the natural tooth and avoid taking it out.
We are here to tell you all how proper endodontic treatment can save the tooth. We will also talk about the advantages of endodontic treatment and what to anticipate before, during, and after the procedure.
What is Endodontic Treatment?
Endodontic treatment involves cleaning, disinfecting, and filling the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals with a special material to remove infected or damaged tissue. This treatment, usually known as a root canal, is a dental treatment implemented to save an infected or damaged tooth. These procedures include interacting with the teeth’ soft tissue, or pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves.
Who is An Endodontist?
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in performing endodontic operations to preserve the health of teeth. Even though general and family dentists have endodontic training, some tooth pains can be more difficult to treat and require a specialized expert.
The experience of an endodontist is useful in this situation. Endodontists can effectively determine the root of tooth discomfort and treat it because of their advanced training and experience. Endodontists are highly proficient in conserving the original tooth and avoiding extraction because they have completed at least two additional years of training in root canal therapy and other procedures.
When is Endodontic Treatment Necessary?
Endodontic therapy becomes necessary when a tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Numerous factors, such as tooth decay, dental trauma, or a cracked or broken tooth, can cause inflammation or infection. Common indicators that indicate a requirement for endodontic therapy include:
- An indication that the tooth’s pulp is inflamed or infected is chronic dental discomfort, particularly when you bite down or apply pressure to the tooth.
- If you have a persistent sensitivity to heat or cold, even after the source of the temperature change has been eliminated, this may indicate pulp inflammation or infection.
- An infection may occur if the gums around the troubled tooth show swelling or tenderness.
- The pulp may be injured or die if the affected tooth looks discolored.
How Does Endodontic Treatment Save the Tooth?
The tooth’s pulp is a soft tissue that houses blood vessels and nerves. It can become inflamed or infected, which can cause excruciating pain and potentially result in tooth loss. A tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and disinfected, the damaged or infected tissue is removed, and the region is filled with a specific filling.
- The dentist initially uses a local anesthetic to numb the region around the damaged tooth before beginning the endodontic therapy procedure. The root canals and pulp chamber become accessible through a small incision at the top of the tooth.
- The dentist gently removes the infected or damaged tissue from the tooth using specialized tools. To remove any lingering bacteria, they will scrub and disinfect the area.
- Once the dentist cleans the area thoroughly, they proceed to fill the root canals and pulp chamber with a specific material, typically a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. This substance stops bacteria from getting inside the tooth by sealing the space.
- Finally, the tooth will receive a filling or crown from the dentist to improve its appearance and function.
Endodontic therapy can save a natural tooth and prevent extraction by eliminating the diseased or damaged tissue from your tooth. This is crucial since tooth loss can cause a number of issues, such as difficulty chewing, problems with speaking, and changes in the way the face looks.
Benefits of Endodontic Treatment
Endodontic treatment has a lot of advantages, despite the fact that many people might be terrified to receive this treatment. The following are some of the main benefits of endodontic therapy:
Preserves the Natural Structure of the Tooth
This is one of the main benefits of endodontic treatment. This is essential since tooth misfortune can cause various issues, for example, trouble biting, problems with talking, and changes in how the face looks.
Relief from Pain
If a broken or infected tooth is causing you pain, endodontic therapy can help. Endodontic treatment decreases torment and uneasiness by killing the tainted or harmed tooth tissue.
Forestalls Extra Disease
If an infected or damaged tooth is not treated, it may result in tooth loss and further infection. Endodontic care can save the tooth and stop the illness from spreading.
Restores Function
The tooth’s normal function can be returned following endodontic therapy. This allows you to continue eating, talking, and smiling with assurance.
Enhances Dental Health
By preserving the original tooth, endodontic therapy can help maintain dental health and avert the need for future, more involved dental procedures.
Cost-Effectiveness
Endodontic treatment is definitely more affordable than other dental operations like tooth extraction and implant or bridge placement.
Long-Lasting Effects
Endodontically treated teeth can last a lifetime with adequate maintenance. This implies you can profit from endodontic therapy for a long time.
Will I Feel Pain During or After the Endodontic Treatment?
Endodontic procedures are frequently utilized to treat toothaches brought on by pulp irritation or infection. Most patients said they felt at ease during the treatment because of current methods and the use of anesthetics.
Your tooth may be sensitive in the first few days after treatment, especially if discomfort or infection occurs before the operation. You can use over-the-counter or prescription drugs to ease this discomfort as your endodontist prescribes. It’s crucial to adhere to your endodontist’s directions carefully.
You may experience a variation in sensation between the treated tooth and your other teeth after your endodontic treatment is complete. This fluctuation is typical and shouldn’t raise any red flags.
Contact your endodontist for additional assessment and advice if you have significant pain, pressure, or chronic discomfort lasting longer than a few days.
How Successful Are Endodontic Treatments?
Endodontic treatments have a success rate of up to 90%. A skilled endodontist can try again if a root canal does not succeed the first time. A subsequent root canal procedure can be avoided by choosing a skilled endodontist and following post-operational experience.
How Much Does a Root Canal Treatment Cost?
Endodontic treatment costs vary depending on how complex the issue is and which tooth is involved. But it is frequently less expensive than getting the tooth pulled and replacing it with an implant or bridge.
Most dental insurance plans include some endodontic treatment coverage, making it more affordable for consumers. At Spring Creek Dental, everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care. That’s why we offer a range of financing and insurance options to help our patients get the care they need.
Conclusion
Endodontic therapy can often preserve your tooth, regardless of the degree of decay. Endodontists with skill can replace the affected tooth tissue with a rubbery sealant after removing the infected areas of the tooth. This sealant efficiently stops bacteria and rot. Preserving your original teeth wherever feasible is preferred, and endodontics provides an excellent way to accomplish this goal.
Book your appointment today at Spring Creek Dental by calling us at 715-381-9710.
