How Would an Endodontist Treat a Tooth Infection?

How Would an Endodontist Treat a Tooth Infection? from Advanced Endodontic Therapy in Omaha, NEDo you think you might have a tooth infection? An endodontist would most likely recommend root canal treatment to treat an infected tooth, particularly if the infection cannot be treated through antibiotics. This article discusses the root canal treatment process an endodontist would follow to treat the tooth infection.

How an endodontist treats a tooth infection

Root canal treatment involves removing diseased dental pulp in the tooth’s pulp chamber located in the center of the tooth’s root. This is the most common procedure endodontists perform for tooth infection. The following is a step-by-step guide on the general process of a root canal.

Provide the patient with local anesthesia and sedation

Besides the local anesthesia, sedation can also be used for root canal treatment in order to make the patient as comfortable as possible. The endodontist and the patient can decide on the best type of sedation. The two most common types for a root canal are oral sedation and nitrous oxide.

Access the root of the tooth

After the anesthetic (and sedation, if used) is administered, the endodontist can access the tooth root, which is usually done by drilling a small hole in the tooth to access the dental pulp where the tooth infection is at its worst.

Remove the infected pulp and nerves

The next step of a root canal procedure is to remove all of the infected dental pulp inside of the root of the tooth as this is what is causing the discomforting symptoms and the prolonged infection. The endodontist can remove the infected portion of the tooth’s root without affecting the healthy part of the tooth.

Disinfect and clean the tooth’s root

Once the infected dental pulp is removed, then the tooth is disinfected and cleaned. This is most commonly done with the use of antibiotic treatment. The tooth is then cleaned entirely to help ensure that no future infections are able to develop.

Fill the tooth with gutta-percha

The endodontist can then fill the tooth to restore its shape and ensure that it is strong enough to last for many more years. The material that is used to fill the tooth is known as gutta-percha. This is a thermoplastic filling that is ideal for filling larger cavities, such as those that are filled during a root canal procedure.

Place a dental crown over the tooth

The last step in the process is the placement of a dental crown. A temporary crown may be applied immediately after treatment to protect the tooth initially during the recovery stages. Once the permanent crown is created in the lab and sent back to the endodontist, then the patient can come back in for its placement.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Endodontist in Omaha, NE

Ready to schedule an appointment?

The symptoms of a tooth infection include tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, swollen gums, gums that are tender to the touch, and other symptoms affecting the tooth and surrounding area. If you experience any of these symptoms, then call our dental office today to set up an appointment with an endodontist.

Request an appointment or call Advanced Endodontic Therapy at 402-403-6988 for an appointment in our Omaha office.

Related Posts

Is A Root Canal The Most Common Procedure For A Endodontist?

Root canal treatment is the most common procedure that an endodontist performs. The process can save a damaged tooth that might otherwise need complete extraction. A root canal treats and preserves millions of teeth each year, according to the American Academy of Endodontists. You may need root canal treatment if imaging tests show damage in…

Can An Endodontist Diagnose Tooth Pain?

An endodontist can help to diagnose and treat tooth pain. Toothaches are your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong in your mouth. A minor toothache that goes away on its own is not something to be concerned about, but a toothache that keeps coming back is a clear sign a trip to…

Do Endodontists Perform Dental Fillings?

Like a general dentist, an endodontist completed a four-year degree in dental school. This allows the former to perform similar procedures like dental fillings. But endodontists completed education that goes beyond the general dentistry degree program. To become an endodontist, one must undergo two or three more years of advanced training. The focus is on…