Do I Need Endodontics?
Endodontics may not be a familiar branch of dentistry to you. After all, you are probably used to going to the general dentist for your oral health needs. However, there may be times when an endodontist is the right person to perform a procedure or evaluate your condition. As you learn more about what this dental professional does, you can see when it makes sense to enlist their services. Your general dentist may also refer you to an endodontist in some situations.
Understanding endodontics
An endodontist is a dentist that focuses on the health of the tooth’s pulp, roots, and surrounding tissue. This person addresses tooth pain and relieves the discomfort that comes from severe decay and injuries. The endodontist does not do fillings but rather handles more invasive procedures, such as root canals. This professional will have two or more years of training beyond dental school. This will include hands-on work and education in diagnosing tooth pain. The main goal of an endodontist is to save a tooth and prevent loss or extraction.
There is intense tooth pain
It is not uncommon for a person to occasionally have tooth pain. Toothaches can occur when an individual has a cavity or has injured a tooth. Sometimes, this discomfort is not a serious concern, especially when it is infrequent. However, when the pain is so severe that it affects a person’s quality of life, it is time to go to the endodontics office. People should also see a dentist if the pain increases or is continuous.
There are sensitivity issues
A sensitive tooth can indicate that the person has a large cavity or an infection in the pulp or roots. When an individual has profound sensitivity to hot or cold foods, the person should call the endodontics office right away. The sensitivity may be present at each contact with certain foods, or it may be sporadic. Some tooth sensitivity can be so serious that hot or cold air can cause pain in the teeth. These situations will likely require a root canal to repair the damage.
There is an injured tooth
A face-first fall to the ground or a hard blow to the mouth with an object can injure a tooth. This can occur in a bike or car accident as well as a sports injury or a slip and fall incident. Breaking or cracking a tooth can be much more than a cosmetic hindrance. Untreated, physical damage to a tooth can lead to infection. Eventually, the infection could spread throughout the body. A person who has suffered trauma to a tooth or multiple teeth should visit an endodontics practice right away.
Do not put off a visit to the dentist
A root canal is one of the most feared dental procedures. It does not need to be scary or avoided, though. A trained dentist can handle the most serious interior tooth issues and relieve your symptoms. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity, get in touch with an endodontics office today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistlaplatamd.com or call The Wilhelm Dental Group at (240) 622-3547 for an appointment in our La Plata office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Endodontics in La Plata, MD.
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