Dentists often refer patients to an endodontist for root canal therapy to treat issues such as a tooth infection, dental abscess, severe tooth decay, and tooth damage. However, you can also visit an endodontist directly for diagnosis. This article highlights four signs that indicate a potential need for endodontic treatment.
An endodontist can treat issues related to the dental pulp inside of a tooth’s root. You should visit an endodontist for diagnosis and potential treatment if you experience gum complications, have signs of severe tooth decay, have tooth sensitivity, or experience pain that does not go away.
Gum complications are often a sign of issues with the tooth’s root. Most commonly, certain gum-related symptoms indicate a tooth infection. The most notable symptom that should not be ignored is gum swelling. Other concerning gum complications may include:
In addition to gum swelling, individuals with a tooth infection and dental abscess may also experience swelling of the lymph nodes and a fever. An endodontist can determine the precise reason for the gum complications (and related symptoms) and determine which endodontic procedure (if any) is most appropriate.
Root canal treatment, which is the most common endodontic procedure, can treat severe tooth decay by accessing the deeper layers of the tooth, removing the decayed portion of the dental pulp, and filling the tooth with a material known as gutta-percha. Dental fillings are not able to treat severe tooth decay. Therefore, if the cavity that is left from the decay is large or extends deep toward the tooth’s root, it is best to visit an endodontist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
If there are issues with the tooth’s dental pulp (which contains blood vessels, nerves, and other sensitive tissues), then there is likely to be a noticeable level of discomfort. This discomfort is not likely to go away, although some home remedies may temporarily help to alleviate the pain. However, if the pain becomes prolonged or comes and goes, then it is important to see an endodontist in order to determine why the pain exists and what the best way to alleviate the pain long-term is.
Not only can pain develop when issues with the tooth’s root develop, but the patient may also experience an increased level of tooth and gum sensitivity, as well. This is particularly true when exposed to hot and cold temperatures from food or the weather. If tooth sensitivity develops, then an endodontist can help determine the cause and may recommend root canal treatment to relieve the sensitivity.
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Here at our dental practice, we can treat a range of concerns through root canal treatment and other procedures involving the dental pulp. If you have any of the symptoms discussed in this review, then we encourage you to call us to set up a visit with our endodontist.
Request an appointment or call Advanced Endodontic Therapy at 402-403-6988 for an appointment in our Omaha office.
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