The top 5 procedures an endodontist performs
Endodontists are specialists who focus on the health of the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. They perform a variety of procedures to preserve teeth that have been damaged by infection, decay or trauma. While endodontists share a lot of similarities with dentists, they undergo additional training in order to specialize in this field, and they typically perform a few specific procedures that they are experts at helping their patients with. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 procedures that endodontists perform and how Granbury Endodontics can help if you're experiencing any sort of tooth pain.
#1: Root Canal Therapy
The #1 endodontic procedure that endodontists perform is a root canal. This is probably what you know endodontists best for, and endodontists usually spend most of their time doing this procedure.
This procedure involves removing the damaged or infected tooth pulp and replacing it with a filling material. Root canals are beneficial because they help to relieve tooth pain caused by infection or decay, as well as preventing further damage to the tooth. In fact, if you're having tooth pain, there's a high chance that it might be an infection and/or in the root canal of your tooth.
The good news is, at Granbury Endodontics, we typically perform non-surgical root canal therapy. Thanks to advances in dental technology, we can use a machine called the GentleWave® machine to send sonic waves and fluid into your root canal to clean out any infection or dead pulp causing problems. This means way less time, pain and recovery time when you need to have a root canal procedure done compared to the older way of doing things.
#2: Root Canal Retreatment
Another common endodontic procedure that endodontists perform is a root canal retreatment. This procedure involves removing the filling material from a previously treated root canal and performing another root canal if necessary to address any issues that may have developed since the initial treatment.
Endodontic retreatment can be beneficial in helping to save teeth that were initially thought to be unsalvageable. In the past, if a problem occurred with a tooth, dentist would likely just pull the tooth so that the infection was prevented. But, thanks to advances in our understanding of teeth and technology, we can use a machine called the GentleWave® machine to quickly and easily retreat a root canal procedure that has had an issue later down the line. And, thanks to the efficacy of the GentleWave® machine, a patient is way less likely to need another retreatment in the future.
What causes a failed root canal? Most of the time it's not the previous procedure performed, but more of how well the patient has taken care of their teeth after the procedure. In other words, if you want your tooth to stay healthy (and if you don't want to come back and see the dentist or endodontist any time soon), make sure to practice healthy oral habits like brushing and flossing daily and avoiding hard, sticky foods that might damage your teeth.
#3: Apicoectomy
This procedure is hard to say, but it's one of the most important procedures that an endodontist performs. And even though it sounds intense, it's a relatively minor procedure but it can make a huge difference when you're having tooth pain.
For an apicoectomy, an endodontist actually cuts the gums around the tooth to reach the tip of the root. Then, the endodontist removes the end of the root, cleans the area and seals it up. This is often done as part of a root canal retreatment or root canal depending on how severe the damage or infection is in the tooth.
The good news is, after the procedure is finished, you'll still have your tooth! With a little healing after time and good oral care, an apicoectomy can be a hugely beneficial endodontic treatment that will last a long time.
#4: Root Amputation
One of the most common root canal procedures is an endodontic root amputation. This procedure is used to remove the root of a molar tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury while protecting the other healthy roots. In most cases, the root amputation is performed by an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canal procedures.
The first step in an endodontic root amputation is to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. Next, the endodontist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the root of the tooth. Once the root is exposed, the endodontist will use a drill to remove the damaged root. Finally, the endodontist will clean and seal the remaining root canal.
Root amputations are generally safe and successful procedures. However, as with any dental procedure, there are some risks involved. The most common complication is infection, which can usually be treated with antibiotics, but can generally be prevented with good oral care.
#5: Cracked Teeth Diagnosis/Treatment
Every once in a while something out of the ordinary might happen to your tooth, causing a crack or chip that needs repair. Endodontists can help with these types of issues because if they don't, they can later lead to needing a root canal. This is because bacteria can get to the root of the tooth and infect it, which will cause some serious pain.
Cracked teeth can be caused by a number of things, but most of the time it's some type of unexpected trauma like a sports injury or vehicle accident. By seeing a dentist or endodontist as soon as possible after the trauma, a patient can get the best diagnosis for how the cracked tooth can be remedied.
If you do have a cracked tooth, make sure you practice good oral hygiene until you can see an endodontist or a dentist to get help. This will decrease the likelihood of infection and will keep some of the pain at bay until you can see an endodontist.
Granbury Endodontics is here to help.
If you're experiencing any type of tooth pain, the first thing you should do is contact our office. Our team at Granbury Endodontics can walk you through some of the likely scenarios for your treatment and help get you back to feeling better fast. No one enjoys the uncomfortable feeling of tooth pain, so come see Dr. Nieves and our staff to get help quick!