What Is Endodontic Treatment and Why Would I Need an Endodontic Procedure?

Endodontic treatment is an extremely productive dental treatment that can save a tooth that has become infected or damaged from being removed. By getting rid of the infected pulp from inside the tooth and cleansing and disinfecting the area that is affected, endodontic treatment can help stop the spread of infection to other body parts. This treatment is known as a root canal and is completed by an endodontist who specializes in treating dental pulp. With endodontic treatment, patients can avoid the pain and discomfort associated with an infected tooth and maintain their natural smile for years to come.

Endodontic treatment can help preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need for extraction. If you are experiencing tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or swelling around the affected area, it is important to seek dental care. Endodontic treatment can take care of the underlying cause and bring back the health of your tooth. By removing the infected or inflamed pulp, your dentist can help prevent further damage to your tooth and surrounding tissues. By following the proper steps and maintenance, your treated tooth can continue to function normally for many more years to come.

When a tooth’s pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or damaged, it can cause severe pain and lead to further infection if not treated promptly. The most common endodontic procedure to address this issue is root canal treatment. During the procedure, the endodontist will first numb the area around the tooth and then create an opening in the top of the tooth. This is when the infected or damaged pulp is removed from the root canals, and it’s shaped to prepare it for filling with a special material. The material used to fill the canals is called gutta-percha, a rubber-like material that seals the canals to prevent further infection. Finally, the endodontist will place a filling or crown on top of the tooth to restore its function and appearance. Root canal treatment is an extremely productive and safe procedure that can save a natural tooth and prevent the need for more extensive dental work.

When a dentist recommends an endodontist, it is usually for a specific reason related to the patient’s dental needs. One of the average reasons is if the patient requires root canal treatment. Endodontists specialize in treating the pulp of the tooth, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that can become infected or inflamed. They have advanced training and expertise in performing root canal procedures, which can be complex and require specialized knowledge. This means that patients who are referred to an endodontist can expect to receive the highest level of care and the best possible outcome for their case.

In addition to root canal treatments, dentists may refer patients to endodontists for other reasons as well. If a patient possesses a cracked tooth, an endodontist can help decide what the best course of treatment is and provide specialized care to save the tooth if possible. Endodontists can also diagnose and treat dental trauma, such as injuries to the teeth or mouth that result from accidents or sports.

Another reason why a dentist might recommend an endodontist is if the case is particularly complex or challenging. In such cases, the endodontist can provide a higher level of care and specialized knowledge to help ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. 

The length of endodontic treatment can vary depending on how complicated your case is and the technique your dentist uses. But don’t worry, most treatments can be completed in one to two appointments, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. However, some cases may require a few extra visits or procedures to make sure everything is fully healed. Your dentist or endodontist can give you a better idea of what to expect for your case, so don’t hold back on asking any questions you may have.

An endodontic treatment is a procedure used to save a severely broken or decayed tooth rather than extracting it. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online today! We are conveniently located at 7215 N First St Suite 107 Fresno CA 93720. We serve patients from Fresno CA, Clovis CA, Burness CA, Gordon CA, Calwa CA, and Easton CA.