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

Endodontic treatment is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the care of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues of the tooth. Commonly, this involves root canal therapy, which aims to repair problems in the pulp or soft tissues inside the teeth.
 
Inflammation in the pulp can be caused by decay, multiple dental procedures, cracks, chips in the teeth, or trauma. If not properly treated, this can lead to pain or the formation of an abscess. Endodontic treatment is often performed in order to save a tooth that may otherwise need to be extracted.

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, which can be due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, fractures, or chips. Trauma can also lead to pulp damage even without visible breaks.
 
Endodontic treatment may be necessary when action needs to be taken in order to preserve an individual’s natural tooth. Symptoms vary, but pain is a common indicator, ranging from mild discomfort to severe aching. Swelling in the gums near the affected tooth, increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and discoloration of the tooth are other signs that endodontic therapy might be required.
 
In some cases, there may be no symptoms, but underlying issues can still exist, emphasizing the importance of regular dental check-ups at Bay Dental.

The most common endodontic procedure is the root canal treatment, often performed to save teeth that might otherwise need extraction. This procedure is necessary when inflammation or infection affects the pulp within the teeth, causing pain.
 
The process involves removing diseased pulp, cleaning, disinfecting, filling, and sealing the inside of the tooth. While front teeth typically have one root canal, molars may have two or three. Afterward, a general dentist will often provide a final filling or crown to restore the tooth’s normal function. While root canal treatments are designed to last a lifetime, some cases may require retreatment of endodontic surgery.

A dentist may recommend an endodontist for complex cases that require specialized care. Endodontists are dental specialists with advanced training in diagnosing and treating tooth pain, performing root canal treatments, and managing other procedures involving the tooth’s interior.
 
They are skilled in treating severe tooth decay, chipped or fractured teeth, tooth injuries, and infections that necessitate complex root canal therapy. Endodontists’ expertise also extends to managing dental emergencies and traumatic dental injuries. Their advanced training in endodontics equips them with the skills necessary to handle complicated cases that general dentists may not be comfortable treating.
 
A dentist may recommend an endodontist when they are unable to diagnose the condition causing symptoms or when endodontic treatment is necessary to preserve a patient’s natural tooth.

The lifespan of endodontic treatment depends on several factors, including the location and condition of the affected tooth, the complexity of the procedure, the patient’s oral hygiene practices, and their commitment to follow-up care.
 
Front teeth, which typically have one canal, may be easier to treat than molars, which often have multiple canals. The severity of the damage to the tooth and the skill of the endodontist are critical to the treatment’s success. Additionally, the overall health of the tooth, including the need for further treatments, affects the longevity of the treatment.
 
Patient involvement in maintaining dental hygiene and following the endodontist’s advice is crucial for the success of the treatment. The primary goal of endodontic therapy is to preserve the natural tooth as long as possible, contributing to overall oral health and functionality.
 
Endodontic treatment is available at Bay Dental. For further assistance, please contact us now or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3620 S. Bristol St Suite 307, Santa Ana, CA 92704. We serve patients from Santa Ana CA, Orange CA, Garden Grove CA, Westminster CA, Anaheim CA, Irvine CA, Lakewood CA, Costa Mesa CA, and South Coast Metro Areas