Tooth pain can disrupt all aspects of your life; you won’t be able to speak, eat properly, or even enjoy an event. When tooth pain persists, it is important to determine the cause and find the right treatment. General dentists are trained to address various issues related to tooth pain, but endodontists specialize in the tooth’s inner structures, such as the pulp and root.
Endodontists undergo extensive training focused on diagnosing and treating tooth pain. Whether you are dealing with severe pain and gum swelling or need a root canal, an endodontist can find out the root cause of the problem. This blog will explore the top five reasons you should see an endodontist for your tooth pain.
If you have been experiencing tooth pain for some time and no remedy has worked yet, do not let the pain get worse. The longer you wait, the underlying issue may get aggravated. Visit your local East County endodontics clinic to get relief.
Reason #1– Persistent or severe pain.
If your tooth pain lasts for a long time and does not go away after you have tried over-the-counter medications and home remedies, it is important to talk to a professional. Symptoms like this can indicate conditions such as an infection, nerve damage, or other dental problems. Some common causes of prolonged pain are dental abscesses and pulpal necrosis.
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus at the root of a tooth due to infection, which can cause throbbing pain. When you leave it untreated for long, the infection can spread and worsen. On the other hand, pulpal necrosis occurs when the pulp of the tooth, the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or dies.
Reason #2– Possible root canal therapy.
Persistent tooth pain usually indicates that you need dental treatment, possibly root canal therapy (RCT). Root canal treatments treat infections or inflammation within the tooth pulp. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to factors like deep decay, trauma, or other causes, the pain can disrupt your everyday life.
Reason #3– Trauma or injury to the tooth.
Tooth pain is often caused by trauma or injury, such as cracks or fractures. When a crack or fracture extends to the pulp, it can cause excruciating pain and swelling. Common symptoms include sharp pain while biting or chewing, heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and even spontaneous pain.
Reason #4– Diagnosis of complex dental issues.
Endodontists are trained in diagnosing complex dental issues, especially when standard dental exams cannot find the cause of pain or discomfort. They use advanced diagnostic tools like X-rays and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to create detailed images of the tooth and its surrounding structures.
These tests are extremely useful in detecting abscesses, cracks, or infections that are not always apparent during routine exams.
Reason #5– Avoiding tooth extraction.
One of the most important things to know about dental health care is that tooth extraction is always kept as a last resort. Dentists try to save your natural tooth using various methods, and if nothing can be done, only then do they suggest pulling out the tooth.
Therefore, one of the advantages of visiting an endodontist about your tooth pain is that they can save your tooth and prevent it from being severely damaged. They use specialized treatments, such as root canal therapy, apicoectomy, and retreatment.
An apicoectomy is a surgery recommended when root canal therapy cannot solve the issue of persistent infection. Retreatment is done when re-infection or complications occur, even after a root canal has been successfully performed.
Don’t ignore your pain!
You might think you can tough it out and the pain will go away soon. However, tooth pain with serious underlying issues does not go away on its own. Visit your dentist today!
