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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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