When you need an endodontist near me, you want a highly trained dental expert with the latest technologies and specialized techniques. An endodontist specializes in procedures that involve the soft inner nerve tissue of the tooth, called the dental pulp. They also perform root canal treatment and other procedures involving the interior of the tooth. Their advanced training, specialized techniques and superior technologies enable them to save teeth that would otherwise be lost.
An infected tooth is a serious problem that needs to be treated quickly and effectively to prevent the infection from spreading to tissues surrounding the tooth. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if they determine your tooth’s internal tissue is infected or has become inflamed for any number of reasons. These include a deep cavity, cracked or fractured tooth, or an injury to the tooth.
If you’ve been referred to an endodontist, the first thing you need to know is that this is not a scary or intimidating procedure. In fact, it’s a very quick and simple process that can alleviate your pain and save your tooth. During the procedure, your endodontist will first use local anesthetic to numb the area. This will make the procedure completely painless.
After the tooth is numb, your endodontist will create an opening in the tooth’s natural crown and then remove the damaged tissue. Next, your endodontist will clean and disinfect the area and then seal it with a temporary filling. Finally, they will place a crown or other tooth restoration on the affected area to restore it to its normal appearance and function.
Some patients experience complications after a root canal treatment, which may include infection, failure of the treated tooth to heal or the formation of new canals. In these cases, a second endodontic procedure called a root canal retreatment or endodontic surgery can be performed.
Root canal therapy is one of the most common and successful dental treatments available, with over 15 million performed each year. In most cases, a root canal treatment can relieve tooth pain and prevent further damage to the tooth, saving it from needing extraction or replacement with bridges or implants.
A qualified endodontist is a dentist who has undergone two or more years of additional specialist training after graduating from dental school. Their extensive knowledge enables them to treat even the most infected, traumatic or diseased teeth and save many that would otherwise be lost. Their services are often covered by dental insurance, making them accessible to everyone who requires urgent treatment.