Patients need to know a few things about the inner layers of their teeth. The information helps to understand dental health. It could also help you identify signs you need to visit an endodontist.
For starters, the enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, and its role is to protect them. The next layer is the dentin that surrounds the last one, the pulp. The pulp is where all the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves are. It is a sensitive area, susceptible to infections and damage if you do not practice consistent and impactful dental hygiene activities.
When the root of a tooth gets an infection, it is likely because of an abscess or another condition underneath the root spreading upward to the tooth. This is why it is important to consult an endodontist with the tools, experience, and skills to treat such issues.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
An endodontist is a type of dental specialist that focuses on treating and caring for tooth problems that affect the pulp of the teeth. Endodontists treat pulp and root issues. While they do not place fillings or clean teeth, they are dedicated to diagnosing and treating tooth pain.
Patients should always be on the lookout for signs of potential problems with the tooth pulp and roots. And if you are unsure what that looks like, the information below should be helpful.
Signs You Should Visit an Endodontist
Continuous Pain After Cleaning
It is common to feel pain and discomfort from having food items stick between your teeth. However, any intense or severe pain from your teeth and gums could mean that you need to visit an endodontist.
General dentists might be able to treat minor infections using non-surgical procedures, but if your infection is too serious, you may require endodontic surgery.
When you need a root canal
If you visit your dentist and they recommend you get a root canal, they should direct you to an endodontist. Root canals are delicate medical procedures, so you must go to someone with the necessary skill and experience to successfully perform such a procedure.
While the regular dentist performs roughly 2 to 4 root canals per week, an endodontist typically performs about 25-30 weekly. This consistency means that if there are any unexpected issues, the endodontist will know exactly what to do to salvage bad situations and get the best possible outcome.
When you have significant tooth decay or damage
You need to visit an endodontist if the tooth looks significantly decayed, cracked, broken, or chipped.
An endodontist specializes in treating conditions that attack the root or pulp of the tooth. So, if the decay and damage go below the inner parts of the tooth, then you should consult an endodontist and find out your options for restoration and treatment.
Increased tooth sensitivity to cold and hot
When you eat or drink anything cold or hot, you might have a mild reaction in the mouth or on the teeth, which is all very natural.
However, if only the teeth react and the response is more intense than usual, you might require endodontic surgery. If you get a reaction after taking any food or drink item, you need an endodontist to perform an exam.
Tenderness and pain to touch
You can hurt your teeth if you apply too much pressure on them. Endodontic procedures are necessary when you develop severe pain in the teeth, even from minimal pressure. If you are feeling pain when you chew food or slightly touch your gums with your toothbrush, then there is a high chance you may need endodontic treatment.
Most people might assume this pain is bearable and only temporary, but things will not get any better, and the pain will grow until it prevents you from performing your daily duties properly.
Gum draining and swelling
If you see any abnormal swelling or drainage around the troublesome tooth, the most effective method to treat and save the tooth is a root canal.
When your tooth’s pulp is infected, the infection can slowly spread to your gums and even, in some cases, the jawbone. When this happens, it is important to seek advice and examination from an endodontist.
Tenderness and swelling normally happen around the infected tooth but can also occur on the head, neck, and face. People who experience ongoing tenderness, drainage, and swelling of the gums need to see an endodontist immediately.
Abnormal tooth discoloration
While teeth can gradually discolor when one consumes tobacco, tea, coffee, wine, and other similar products, it is rare to see severe or sudden discolorations.
Even if you forget to brush your teeth twice daily, sudden teeth discoloration is unnatural. The discoloration often occurs when an infection spreads from the jawbone and gums to the tooth. Significant discoloration is a good sign that you will need endodontic surgery to treat the condition.
Dental abscesses at the root of the tooth
Dental abscesses form infections in the affected teeth, starting right below the tooth root. Traditional dentists cannot treat this condition with non-surgical procedures.
Thus, it is essential to seek the help of an endodontist to treat this condition since it can lead to severe pain in and around the affected tooth.
You may also notice a small bump or pimple around an infected tooth. Do not ignore this sign and instead visit your endodontist.
Takeaway
It could signify a severe infection if your tooth also feels looser than normal. But it is not always the case, so a trip to the endodontist can clear any doubts.
As mentioned above, an endodontist is a specialist who specializes in treating complications that affect your teeth.
When faced with severe tooth pain and damage, it is wise to go for a consultation with an endodontist. Similarly, when you need a root canal, these are the professionals your dentist will direct you to.
Our team is ready to assist you with these and other concerns you may have about your dental health. Our specialists will efficiently examine your teeth and provide an accurate diagnosis. Similarly, we offer result-driven solutions to individual problems. Schedule a consultation today.
