Endodontics treatment is necessary when there is pain, disease, or infection in one or multiple teeth. Dentists who perform endodontic treatments typically have more experience, knowledge, and training. A patient who needs care for a painful tooth should first ask the dentist a few important questions.
Patients who need endodontic treatment should understand what it entails and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. It is essential to ask a dentist questions for a thorough understanding.
Endodontics treatments span a variety of services. The most common procedure is the root canal, which is important for removing an infection from a tooth and filling it in to restore function. Repairing cracked teeth is another common procedure. Several treatments are available for cracked teeth, including fillings, crowns, surgery, and extraction. The type of care depends on whether the tooth is split, has a vertical root fracture, has craze lines, or has fractured cusps. Other common approaches include treating traumatic dental injuries or providing dental implants.
The amount of experience a dentist has performing endodontic treatments is important. The provider should be able to answer the question honestly and explain what training, equipment, and techniques his or her knowledge and experience includes. Understanding experience level gives a patient peace of mind and allows them to feel certain the dentist is capable of performing the procedure.
A good dentist will ensure the patient understands the procedure and what to expect throughout it. Take the root canal, for example.
First, the dentist takes X-rays of the tooth to determine the amount of damage. The dentist then inserts a dental dam into the patient's mouth to keep the infected tooth clean while working on it. The decay is removed before an opening is created to reach the pulp chamber. From there, small dental tools are used to extract the infected pulp. When all the diseased parts of the pulp are gone, the dentist will flush and clean the tooth. Finally, a filling is placed in the tooth to keep debris out and prevent further decay.
Patients undergoing a different procedure should ask the provider specific questions and be satisfied with the answers they receive before moving on.
Before a patient undergoes endodontic treatment, it is important to learn how to prepare for it. In many cases, preparation includes continuing good oral hygiene habits, avoiding chewing near the affected tooth, and avoiding food the morning of the procedure. The dentist will provide more specific instructions depending on the patient's history and the care to be received.
If you suspect your tooth may need the help of a dentist who understands endodontics, ask yours what your next step should be. A good dentist can either schedule treatment or refer you to someone who can.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryforwoodstock.com or call Dentistry for Woodstock at (770) 238-1437 for an appointment in our Woodstock office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Endodontics in Woodstock, GA.
A root canal is an important treatment to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost to damage or infection. When a tooth infection occurs, the symptoms can be severe and upsetting, especially if they start in the middle of the night. It is advisable to promptly seek treatment for a decaying, infected, or damaged…
Getting a root canal may seem to be a daunting task to most, as there are numerous rumors about root canals being a painful procedure. However, contrary to popular belief, when done right, a root canal should be a totally painless procedure and nothing to be scared of.Root canals are designed to alleviate pain, restore…
A tooth abscess is a dental emergency because it has a risk of the infection expanding to other parts of the body. If an abscess spreads to the brain, it can have life-threatening effects.Abscesses can be incredibly painful, and the pain is often accompanied by swelling. The severity of the pain and swelling is often…
Wondering whether a damaged tooth constitutes a dental emergency? Read on to find out. A damaged tooth may be considered a dental emergency if it causes severe and borderline intolerable discomfort (pain, swelling, sensitivity), causes a severe cosmetic issue, or is at risk of worsening complications, such as the loss of the tooth or the…
Considering Invisalign®? This clear aligner therapy is offered by general dentists in an effort to straighten crooked or crowding teeth. Additionally, recent advancements have allowed for Invisalign® to also be used for minor bite correction.The Invisalign® process is different than any other orthodontic treatment for a number of reasons, including the benefits that it has to offer for oral…
Cavities are a common dental issue that, when left untreated, can cause discomfort and affect oral health. A general dentist offers a variety of options for cavity treatment. Visiting the dentist for routine appointments can prevent tooth decay or repair the damage as soon as possible.Cavities, also known as dental caries, occur when bacteria in…