What is an Endodontist?
People may not realize that there are multiple forms of care within dentistry. The teeth are more complex than some people realize, with layers of protection, nerves, and blood vessels, while also connecting to the gums and jawbone. If something happens to any of the layers of the tooth, the body can feel repercussions from the damage.
The Type of Issues an Endodontist Treats
A professional endodontist is a dentist who completes the extra training to specialize in maintaining teeth through procedures that involve the soft tissue of the teeth. The soft tissue of the teeth is also known as the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. When a patient seriously damages their teeth, it is important to seek professional care from a specialist. A general dentist will not have the experience or tools to treat serious damage, whereas an endodontist does.
While minor issues such as plaque buildup or even a minor chip in the tooth may only need the services of a general dentist, many other issues require specialist services. An endodontist provides treatment for:
- Chipped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Infected teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Inflamed/infected dental pulp
- Dental abscess
These are only some of the potential conditions that endodontists provide a more detailed level of care. Endodontists have the experience to accomplish more than simply cleaning a tooth. If a patient struggles with a broken or cracked tooth, the damage can spread to the pulp. Once the damage reaches the tooth’s pulp, the pain will intensify and eventually cause an infection.
An endodontist will identify the source of the infection, remove the infected or inflamed pulp, and then cover the tooth back up. This way, the patient will continue using the natural tooth and not feel much pain. Contrary to popular stigma, an endodontist does not want to extract teeth immediately. An endodontist will do everything possible to protect the tooth in question.
An endodontist values natural teeth over artificial ones. Having a tooth is better than not having a tooth since the process of resorption will leech calcium from the jawbone and alter the appearance of one’s face. While we live in a world where there are multiple options for artificial teeth replacements, natural teeth will always be the preferred teeth of professionals.
By removing the infected root in a root canal procedure, an endodontist can save the shell of the tooth and relieve the patient of all pain. The endodontist will then cover the tooth up with a crown that protects the root space and allows the individual to continue eating whatever they like.
The Process
While some general dentists offer basic root canal services, they will not have the necessary experience or technology to deal with serious cases. Thus, visiting an endodontist is crucial for anyone experiencing intense pain in their teeth. The process for visiting an endodontist is fairly simple. The first step will be to either call ahead or receive a recommendation.
The endodontist will attempt to schedule you in for an appointment as soon as possible. However, if the situation is an emergency, the endodontist will attempt to see you immediately. In some cases, an endodontist may offer weekend services for special cases. After scheduling an appointment, the endodontist will recommend the most effective method to ease the pain while waiting for the appointment.
Using an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the cheek can help in most cases. In other cases, over-the-counter pain medication may help. Ask an endodontist for advice and recommendations on what to do. The endodontist will examine the tooth and ensure that a root canal is the most effective treatment at the appointment. If a different treatment is necessary, the endodontist will explain the details and answer any questions before beginning.
If the patient needs endodontic surgery, the endodontist will use anesthesia not to feel any pain during the procedure. If the patient is going through surgery, the endodontist will put the patient to sleep. When the surgery is complete, the patient will wake up and be sent home with specific directions about proper care. The patient may need to schedule a ride home and avoid driving for a few hours, depending on the procedure.
It is also recommended that you take the rest of the day off to heal and maybe even the next day. It may take a few days before the teeth are fully functional and ready to eat food. An endodontist will go over all of this with you before the surgery so that you can prepare ahead of time.
If you are looking for an Endodontist in Minnetonka or Minneapolis, then visit Holger Dental Group today, or you can call us to schedule your appointment.
