Categories: Endodontist

How an Endodontist Can Provide Specialized Treatment for Tooth Infection

When patients have an infected tooth or abscess, the dentist may send them to an endodontist for treatment. These dental specialists treat infected or damaged teeth using various surgical techniques. This work requires specialized training on treating problems with the tooth pulp, soft tissues inside the tooth, or the tissues around the root. Endodontic care often involves root canals, either doing them or redoing a problematic root canal. 

Tooth structure

Understanding what an endodontist does requires knowing a few things about teeth. The enamel, the hard coating surfacing the teeth, is what most dentists usually work on. Inside each tooth, there is a nerve and some other soft tissue, known as the pulp. When the tooth pulp becomes exposed, it becomes vulnerable to damage and infection. Infection in the pulp can spread to the gums or into the bloodstream. 

Specialized endodontic services

The first service patients typically receive from an endodontist is an evaluation of their tooth, typically involving one or more tests. The patient may go in with a specific prescription for a service. Often, though, a damaged or infected tooth needs further investigation. In those cases, an evaluation can include one of these techniques:

  • Dental X-rays
  • Tooth sensitivity testing with a hot or cold swab
  • Tapping on the tooth to evaluate the tooth for sensitivity and find the limits of the infected area

Treatment options

A dental specialist may perform one of several procedures. The surgeon may drain an abscess or clean it out first. For teeth with deep cavities, a root canal is a common option. Saving a tooth is usually better than extracting it, which sometimes can be accomplished by performing a root canal.  As well, root canals may not heal properly and need to be redone.

If a tooth cannot be saved, it might be extracted. If the patient has lost a tooth or needs one pulled, the endodontist may also fit a bridge or an implant, an artificial tooth and root, in a subsequent visit. A tooth that was damaged in an accident might also be extracted in the office.

Tooth pain and infection might also be treated with surgery, such as an apicoectomy. In this procedure, the surgeon operates on a tooth to cut away the tip of the root. If the infection is severe or the tooth is damaged, emergency surgery may be called for. A specialist may also be needed to treat certain tooth infections without extracting the tooth. 

Recovery

Like any surgical procedure, oral surgery can involve a recovery period. The treatment site may be sore or tender for some time after surgery. Expect to be prescribed pain medicine, though over-the-counter pain relievers may be enough. Antibiotics may be prescribed. The endodontist may also refer a patient back to the dentist for a crown. 

Conclusion

If a tooth becomes badly infected or damaged, you may need to see a dental surgery specialist. An endodontist can evaluate the tooth and recommend treatment such as a root canal, oral surgery, or extraction.

Request an appointment here: https://www.creeksideendo.com or call Creekside Endodontics - Lone Tree Endodontist at (303) 524-9343 for an appointment in our Lone Tree office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Endodontist in Lone Tree, CO.

Related Posts

What Type Of Training Does An Endodontist Receive?

An endodontist is the right dentist to see when you have tooth pain. This person focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections. A root canal is the most common procedure that endodontists perform to repair and save teeth. It is helpful to understand the background of these dentists. Their training helps them to…

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…

Tips To Prepare For Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can keep your damaged tooth intact. This procedure may scare many people because of its invasive nature. Even so, it can provide immediate relief and prevent tooth loss. Here are some tips to prepare yourself for your upcoming root canal therapy.Research shows that many people do not like to have root canal…

The Role Of Emergency Endodontists In Treating Severe Tooth Trauma

An emergency endodontist is indispensable when it comes to sudden dental crises. This dental care provider can treat dental pain from problems occurring inside the tooth. Seeing this type of dentist is crucial for your dental health. Here are the details about an emergency endodontist’s role in correcting severe dental trauma.A major trauma to the…

Creekside Endodontics - Lone Tree Endodontist

Share
Published by
Creekside Endodontics - Lone Tree Endodontist

Recent Posts

What Type of Training Does an Endodontist Receive?

An endodontist is the right dentist to see when you have tooth pain. This person…

3 weeks ago

Root Canal Recovery: What to Expect After Undergoing Therapy

A root canal is an essential procedure that entails saving a patient’s tooth and keeping…

2 months ago

Tips to Prepare for Root Canal Therapy

Here are some tips to prepare yourself for your upcoming root canal therapy.

3 months ago

The Role of Emergency Endodontists in Treating Severe Tooth Trauma

Here are the details about an emergency endodontist’s role in correcting severe dental trauma.

4 months ago

Understanding Endodontics: A Guide to Root Canal Therapy

Endodontic treatment is necessary to avoid further tooth loss and infection caused by repeated dental…

5 months ago

Relieving Pain at an Endodontist Near Me

If you're wondering, "how can I find an endodontist near me?" read on to learn…

6 months ago