What Is Endodontic Treatment and Why Would I Need an Endodontic Procedure?

Endodontic procedures are used to treat the innermost part of the tooth, which is known as the pulp. The primary goal of endodontic procedures, such as root canal treatment or apicoectomy, is to preserve the natural tooth’s structure and function while alleviating symptoms caused by inflammation or infection in the tooth’s pulp.

Dental specialists perform endodontic procedures to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and allow patients to retain their natural teeth instead of settling for extractions. If you are experiencing persistent oral pain or suspect you have a dental infection, it’s important to visit a dentist as soon as possible to determine what type of procedure will help you feel better.

Some of the most common endodontic procedures are:

• Root canal treatment: During a root canal, the infected pulp is carefully removed from within the tooth. Next, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and the root canals are disinfected. Lastly, the tooth is filled and a crown is placed on top to enhance its strength.

• Pulpotomy: This procedure is used to restore infected teeth in children. Baby teeth can become infected due to untreated cavities. In such cases, the pulp that resides near the crown of the tooth is carefully removed, while the roots of the pulp are left untouched.

• Apicoectomy: Also known as root end surgery, this procedure involves the removal of the tooth’s root tip or apex. Apicoectomies are performed when a tooth has had a root canal but there is residual infection or inflammation near the apex.

• Apexification: This procedure is performed when the root of a mature tooth is not fully formed. Dental professionals use this approach to stimulate the development of a barrier at the root’s tip to seal the open apex.

These are just a few of the various endodontic procedures that can be performed to address pain and inflammation in the innermost part of a tooth.

Endodontic procedures are performed to address various concerns, such as:

• Tooth decay: In the advanced stages of tooth decay, untreated cavities can cause damage to the pulp inside your teeth. When tooth decay causes inflammation inside the tooth, it’s known as pulpitis. Pulpitis can cause significant pain and often warrants endodontic treatment.

• Abscess or swelling: An abscess, which is a collection of pus, may form at the root of a tooth due to an untreated infection. Endodontic intervention is crucial to drain the abscess, eliminate the infection, and prevent further complications.

• Fracture or trauma: Teeth that have experienced significant trauma, such as a fracture, often require endodontic intervention to address damage to the pulp.

• Recurrent issues: If a previously treated tooth exhibits persistent or recurrent symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or drainage, it will require re-treatment.

In summary, there are several reasons why you may need endodontic treatment. If you require an endodontic intervention, the expert will thoroughly go over the recommended treatment approach to ensure you understand the process well.

The amount of time it takes to recover from your endodontic procedure depends on the specific treatment you receive. For example, it takes a few days to a week to recover from a root canal procedure. You will need to eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth before the crown is in place.

After an apicoectomy, you will need to return to the clinic to have your stitches removed after 3 to 7 days. At this point in your recovery, you can eat, brush and floss your teeth as normal. However, it usually takes about 3 weeks for the gum tissue to fully heal after this procedure. To alleviate discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

To ensure your recovery is going as expected, it’s important to follow the dental professional’s aftercare instructions carefully. If you have any questions or concerns throughout your recovery, our team is here to provide comprehensive guidance and support. If your family is ready to experience top-notch dental care, schedule an appointment with us! Our team of experts is dedicated to making you and your child’s visit as seamless as possible. We serve patients from Mesquite TX, Dallas TX, Sunnyvale TX, Forney TX, Balch Springs TX, Garland TX, Rowlett TX, and BEYOND.