The hollow space inside our tooth contains soft tissue called the dental pulp. Decay, repeated dental procedures, trauma to the mouth, or cracks can cause the pulp to become irritated or infected. If left untreated, this can result in pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, tooth discoloration, swelling on the gums etc.
Endodontic treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent the tooth’s reinfection, and save the natural tooth. During the process, the infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.
While general dentists can perform basic endodontic treatments, certain severe cases may need reference to a specialist.
The need for endodontic treatment may arise due to various reasons – the most common being a traumatic injury. A blow to the mouth may cause toothache due to a cracked or fractured tooth. In some instances, the pain may be felt in a neighboring tooth, neck, ear, or head. Our dentist can help diagnose the issue in such cases and prepare a treatment plan. Damage caused to the pulp in the teeth or the nerves may affect teeth growth in children or cause pain and discomfort in adults. Several endodontic treatments are taken up to address such issues and restore oral health.
At Pacific Dental, before we dive into the treatment, we like to examine the case and understand the degree of damage, inflammation, or infection suffered by the tooth. Once all the necessary tests are done and the condition is diagnosed, a treatment plan is prepared and communicated to the patient. While most issues are resolved in one visit, some may need two or three visits to our clinic.
Endodontic treatments are mostly successful and immediately address the issue. In case the pain persists, there is nothing to worry about. We will provide a backup or alternative treatment to offer a permanent solution.
If you feel a sharp pain in your mouth on cracking or chipping your teeth or cannot quite pinpoint the pain around your mouth, call us at (559) 492-2486 immediately so that we may take a look and address the issue immediately.