If you’re experiencing tooth pain, you may have a reason to visit an endodontist. Knowing the role of this type of dental specialist will help you determine if you need to see one in the first place.
What Is An Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist in tooth pain, disease, and infection. They have logged in additional training that allows them to properly diagnose and heal tooth pain as well as conducting root canals, a specific procedure created to salvage an infected or deteriorating tooth.
This type of dental specialist corrects issues concerning the interior of the tooth, which is known as the tooth pulp. The tooth pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It can run the risk of becoming inflamed or infected due to profound tooth decay, injury to a tooth brought on by trauma, and repetitious dental work performed on a tooth.
When To See This Dental Specialist
A suggestion about making a visit to see an endodontist may be made by your general dentist for some reasons. Perhaps you’ve noticed tooth pain and experienced noticeable sensitivity to heat and cold. Maybe you’re experiencing a bacterial infection. Bacteria can make its way into the tooth pulp through tiny gaps developed by tooth decay or injury.
An inflamed tooth pulp or the pulp of the tooth experiencing a bacterial infection is one of the most common reasons that many see an endodontist. Typically, if you’re schedule to visit an endodontist, it’s because you’re in need of a root canal.
Tooth injury is another reason to see this dental specialist. If for some reason your tooth becomes displaced from its socket or completely knocked out, an endodontist can return the tooth back to its socket, secure it in place, and generally accomplish a root canal on it.
A chipped or fractured tooth is another reason to see an endodontist. The chances are likely that you may require a root canal if a substantial section of a tooth is absent, which would expose the tooth pulp to bacteria.
Root Canal
If you’re getting ready to have a root canal done, you may be wanting to know more about what to expect during your appointment.
Prior to the start of a root canal procedure, you will be administered local anesthetic. What is referred to as a dental dam will be inserted surrounding the tooth. The endodontist will open the crown, or top, of the tooth and extract the pulp. Afterwards, they will clean, reshape, and increase the root canal utilizing small files.
Then the endodontist will fill the root canal with a rubbery element. Typically, they place a temporary crown or filling to seal the tooth opening. After your appointment, you will make a follow-up appointment for the dental specialist to eradicate the temporary crown or filling and replace it with a permanent one.
Selecting An Endodontist
First thing is first, you should identify a local endodontist or dental specialist near you, like Eriks Dental Group, when selecting an endodontist. Some general dentists have an on-site endodontist, so perhaps ask for a referral if your dentist does not have such service.
An important thing when choosing an endodontist is to wonder about education level and experience. As mentioned earlier, an endodontist endures additional, specialized training outside of dental school. The number od endodontic procedures could be a good sign of the dental specialist’s skill level.
You will also want to review your insurance coverage. On the chance that your dentist recommends endodontic care for your teeth, be sure your insurance company will be able to cover it. Ask your insurance if your policy necessitates endodontic care from an in-network doctor or if you can pay more to see a dental specialist who is out of network.
After all of that, contacting an endodontist and meeting with potential doctors can better guide you in your decision-making process.
Local Endodontist Near Me
Recognizing the early signs of tooth pain and sensitivity could helps determine if you need to see an endodontist. That is of course, unless your general dentist has already suggested it.
Do you have more questions about endodontists? Follow us on Facebook, check out our blog, or call Eriks Dental Group at 561-733-4004.