Endodontics is the branch of dentistry used to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the pulp). At Spring Green Family Dental, our Katy, TX, dentists carefully removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent further infection and to give smiles a new lease on life.
While endodontic treatment is not for everyone, it is a proven method for saving teeth from extraction. Our dentists might suggest endodontic treatment for one of the following reasons:
While the American Association of Endodontists recognizes many endodontic treatments, the most popular (and infamous) is root canal therapy. While root canals might have a bad reputation, they are one of the secret weapons to saving smiles after advanced tooth decay.
Although not all endodontic treatments are the same, here’s generally what you can expect at Spring Green Family Dental.
Using X-Rays, visual exams, and other means, our dentists diagnoses the dental problem and lists proven solutions on how to address it.
To ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible, our dentists administers local anesthesia and optional sedatives.
Our dentists isolates the tooth with a rubber dam to ensure that the tooth is saliva-free throughout the endodontic procedure.
Carefully and skillfully, our Katy, TX, dentists opens the top of the tooth to access the inside.
Our dentists removes any unwanted and unhealthy tissue in the dental pulp.
After removing the unwanted tissue, the space left over is disinfected, shaped, and prepared for restorative dental work.
Contrary to popular belief, endodontic treatment is generally no more painful than having a filling placed. Modern anesthetics and techniques have made the procedure relatively comfortable for most patients. Any discomfort experienced is typically manageable and temporary.
Symptoms that might indicate the need for endodontic treatment include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, or swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. An evaluation by a dentists or endodontist can provide a definitive diagnosis.
Delaying or avoiding endodontic treatment can lead to more severe pain and complications, including the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and the potential loss of the tooth. Prompt treatment can save the tooth and prevent these issues.
With proper care, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment can last a lifetime. To ensure the longevity of the treated tooth, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
At some point in your life, you might need endodontic treatment. If that day comes, Spring Green Family Dental can ensure that your smile stays healthy beyond endodontic treatment. Serving older kids to seniors, we look forward to keeping your family happy and healthy.
