Dental care encompasses more than just cleanings and checkups. Sometimes your teeth need treatment for problems beyond a simple cavity.
Specialty dentistry like endodontics helps keep your teeth in tip-top shape from the inside out, and, at Monarch Dental, we’re proud to offer an array of specialty and general dentistry services so you can get all the care you need all at one convenient location.
A dentist who specializes in root canals, repairing dental injuries, and assisting patients in tooth pain management is known as an endodontist. While root canals are their specialty, endodontists can conduct a variety of procedures with the goal to keep natural teeth as healthy as possible, limit infection and deterioration, and reduce dental pain.
Infected and damaged teeth will not heal on their own and, if not treated properly, can lead to more widespread infection and more severe damage in the teeth and jaw. The primary purpose of endodontic treatment is to save the natural tooth or teeth in the event of infection or injury, and there are multiple reasons you may need endodontic treatment, many of which start with tooth pain or injury to the teeth.
If you are currently having severe tooth pain or jaw pain, or you have had a recent injury to your teeth, you should contact your primary dentist, who can assess most of these situations and refer you to an endodontist if needed.
When a patient comes in with severe tooth pain or a tooth injury, the endodontist will examine not only the exterior of the tooth but the interior as well. The inside of the tooth, also known as the dental pulp, might need to be examined.
Removing infected dental pulp and repairing damage help to save the natural tooth. Extraction is almost always a last resort in most cases, and an endodontist will do everything possible to preserve the affected tooth.
A root canal is a common procedure that attempts to save a natural tooth by removing its infected dental pulp and sealing it. Cavities and damage to the exterior of a tooth can result in bacteria entering and infecting the dental pulp, which can cause significant pain and long-term health problems if left untreated.
Here’s what happens during a root canal procedure:
While a root canal removes the infection from the dental pulp on the inside of the tooth, an apicoectomy removes inflamed or infected gum tissue and/or the root of the tooth. This procedure is not as common as root canals and usually occurs at the tip of the tooth’s root which is deeper into the gum tissue.
Care processes and pain management after an endodontic procedure will be specific to your situation, so following your dentist and endodontist’s instructions is important. Following their guidance will not only help with the healing process but also assist in preventing additional damage or the development of new infection.
Many dental insurance plans will cover part or all of the cost of endodontic treatment. Monarch Dental accepts most major insurances as well as CareCredit and their in house financing, and offer a variety of payment and financing options for any costs your insurance won’t cover.
Patients without insurance can take advantage of Monarch Dental’s OneSmile Dental Plan, which provides members with discounted dental services and free exams and x-rays for one low annual fee.
Endodontic care is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to good oral health. With our full range of general, specialty, and cosmetic services, Monarch Dental provides everything you and your family need for complete dental health and at prices you can afford. We’re committed to exceptional patient care and providing everyone with the beautiful smile they deserve!
Help keep your teeth healthy inside and out with endodontic treatment from Monarch Dental! Find the location nearest you and schedule an appointment today.