If you experience sharp pain when eating something hot or cold, an endodontist may identify pulpitis as the culprit for such sensitivity. Pulpitis occurs when the dental pulp becomes inflamed, usually due to a cavity. Without treatment, the inflammation may result in an infection. The disease can cause an abscess in the tooth’s root. This pus-filled mass generally leads to persistent, throbbing tooth pain. The discomfort may radiate to the jawbone and even to the ear and neck.
There are three dental procedures an endodontist may perform to treat a damaged pulp. The first is dental pulp repair, which involves removing the infected part of the tooth. Then, the endodontist will rebuild it with a filling. An endodontist often recommends this treatment if the damage is not yet too far advanced. For more extensive damage, fitting a metal crown may be a better option.
If the damage to the pulp has already progressed, a root canal procedure may be advisable. What if a painful abscess forms and causes necrosis or cell death? In this case, the endodontist will remove all the diseased pulp right down to the root of the tooth. Then, they will proceed with the pulp repair. Inserting a metal post into the root canal may be necessary. The endodontist will use this support to attach the crown.
The tooth with damaged or infected pulp may have been so severely neglected that it is no longer restorable. In this case, the life of this damaged tooth is over, calling for extraction. What if removing the affected tooth leaves a gap between its adjacent teeth? The space needs to be filled with either a dental bridge or implant. When possible, the endodontist will recommend a solution to replace the extracted tooth. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity and quality of the bite.
A bridge involves placing an artificial tooth in the space left by the extracted tooth. The bridge will be attached to the two adjacent teeth (which should be in good condition) to keep them in place. Once an endodontist decides that a bridge is not a viable solution, they may recommend implants. It involves replacing the extracted tooth with a surgical fixture, usually a screw-like post made of titanium. Then, the endodontist will add a dental prosthetic onto the implant, allowing it to look and function like natural teeth.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Endodontist in Omaha, NE
The intensity of symptoms varies depending on the type of pulp disease you have. Pulpitis and many other pulp conditions are often caused by tooth decay. Besides acute pain, the disease can cause inflammation and increased sensitivity to sweet foods and anything hot or cold. Once severe pulp infection develops, several other symptoms may be noticeable. These include bad breath, fever, dental abscess, and swollen lymph nodes. Schedule an appointment with an endodontist as soon as you spot these signs.
Request an appointment or call Endodontic Specialists, PC at 402-401-7777 for an appointment in our Omaha office.
Many people are apprehensive about visiting the endodontist for treatment. This is reasonable because most people know what happens when they visit the dentist, but they do not often see the endodontist, which is enough to cause anxiety. It is also not helpful that there are so many myths surrounding endodontic therapy.The endodontist can make…
An endodontist can help to diagnose and treat tooth pain. Toothaches are your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong in your mouth. A minor toothache that goes away on its own is not something to be concerned about, but a toothache that keeps coming back is a clear sign a trip to…
Like a general dentist, an endodontist completed a four-year degree in dental school. This allows the former to perform similar procedures like dental fillings. But endodontists completed education that goes beyond the general dentistry degree program. To become an endodontist, one must undergo two or three more years of advanced training. The focus is on…
Many people are apprehensive about visiting the endodontist for treatment. This is reasonable because most people know what happens when they visit the dentist, but they do not often see the endodontist, which is enough to cause anxiety. It is also not helpful that there are so many myths surrounding endodontic therapy.The endodontist can make…
An endodontist can help to diagnose and treat tooth pain. Toothaches are your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong in your mouth. A minor toothache that goes away on its own is not something to be concerned about, but a toothache that keeps coming back is a clear sign a trip to…