Root canals are a critical treatment for infected or painful teeth. Getting them treated as soon as possible maximizes your chances of saving your tooth from being extracted. While most people understand that dentists perform routine teeth care and provide regular checkups, few know that endodontist near me are dental specialists who specialize in treating the interior of a tooth. This includes root canal treatment and diagnosing tooth pain. In addition, endodontists spend two or more years beyond dental school focusing on diagnosing and treating diseases related to the inner components of a tooth.

The root canal procedure involves the removal of dental pulp tissue from the interior of a tooth. This is often accomplished through a procedure called a pulpectomy or apicoectomy surgery.

Endodontists are Dental Specialists

These specialists are skilled at saving teeth, even those with severe decay or damage. They also treat traumatic injuries such as cracked or fractured teeth and can repair damaged roots.

The most common procedures performed by these professionals are root canals, which are a series of small passageways inside the root of your tooth that contain blood vessels and nerves. When these areas are inflamed or infected, it causes a toothache. This is why it’s important to see an endodontist if you have persistent or recurring tooth pain. They can pinpoint the source of the pain and provide the proper treatment to save your tooth.

They Perform Root Canals

Many dental patients require root canals to remove bacteria from the inner chambers of inflamed or infected teeth. The procedure involves making a small hole in the crown of the tooth, removing the affected tissue, cleaning, shaping, and disinfecting the area, then filling and sealing it. The resulting tooth is weaker, and a general dentist will usually fit it with a crown for protection and support.

Tooth cracks can lead to bacterial infection, and endodontists can seal and repair these fractures. They also have the expertise to evaluate whether a cracked tooth can be saved with root canal treatment.

A root canal is not only a common dental procedure, but it can save teeth that would otherwise be lost. If you have unexplained pain in a tooth, call your dentist to schedule an exam. Dental x-rays and a hot or cold sensitivity test can help your provider identify signs of bacterial infection. They may also recommend a root canal treatment to help you regain your healthy smile.

They Perform Other Endodontic Procedures

If you are experiencing tooth pain, it could be due to an infection in your root canal. Your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist if the original root canal treatment fails. During this procedure, the endodontist reopens your tooth, cleans and seals it. This prevents microbial contamination and helps your tooth heal properly.

Endodontists also perform apexification (also known as apicoectomy) and pulpotomy procedures. In apexification, the endodontist opens a small flap in gum tissue to expose the underlying bone and remove any inflamed or infected tissue at the very tip of the root. They then close the area with a filling and suture it.

An endodontist can also use apexogenesis to stimulate the growth of bone density at the root tip of an injured root. This prevents the need for root removal surgery and saves the tooth from extraction.

They Are Painless

While dentists are well-suited to treat tooth decay and gum disease, lingering pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, or discomfort while chewing may be signs of a more complex problem. This is where an endodontist can help.

Their specialized training and focus make them adept at diagnosing and treating dental pulp problems, which involve the nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues deep inside your tooth root. They are also skilled at resolving dental injuries such as a cracked or chipped tooth, which can lead to bacterial infection if not promptly treated.

While a root canal had a notoriously painful past, modern advancements have made this procedure essentially pain-free. This is because they use effective local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, and patients often report that it feels similar to getting a routine filling. For those who still feel anxiety, nitrous oxide and other forms of sedation are available for additional comfort. They also take great care to seal the affected area afterward to prevent reinfection.