If you have been referred to an endodontist, you likely need root canal therapy to treat a painful or highly sensitive tooth. Your dentist has determined that some type of infection or trauma is responsible for your pain.
An experienced endodontist like our doctor has the unique training and advanced technology to treat your condition safely and comfortably.
Why Endodontists Save Natural Teeth
Endodontists specialize in performing procedures aimed at saving the natural tooth. We believe that preserving teeth is better than tooth extraction in many situations for a better long-term outcome.
If the extraction spot is not filled with a bridge, implant, or other restorative device, your surrounding teeth will move toward the empty space, damaging your bite. Bridges and dentures can be uncomfortable to wear and could potentially damage the surrounding teeth.
Common Endodontic Procedures
Root canal therapy: makes up most of an endodontist’s work. It is a specialized procedure that treats infected tooth pulp (the spongy tissue below the enamel) and protects the tooth from future infection. It usually provides instant relief for chronically painful or sensitive teeth.
Apicoectomy: is the removal of the tip of the tooth root, a minor procedure used to treat infection when root canal treatment is not adequate.
Oral trauma (damage to the teeth, mouth, or jaws): requires fast treatment. Our office is available for expert evaluation and treatment. If you or your child experiences dental trauma, contact our office or get a referral from your dentist immediately. That way you can be examined and treated as soon as possible.
We treat mild to severe cases of trauma to the mouth or teeth, including:
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Damage to a previous dental restoration
- Knocked-out teeth
- Injury to the jawbone
- Soft tissue injury to the gums, lips, cheek, or tongue
How are Endodontists and Dentists Different?
An endodontist is a dentist (DDS or DMD) with an additional two to three years of advanced training beyond dental school. These specialists perform an average of 25 root canal treatments a week according to the American Association of Endodontists, whereas a general dentist might do one or two, if any.
Conversely, endodontists don’t clean teeth or place fillings like a general dentist; therefore, dentists and endodontists often work in a partnership.
Our team is happy to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about dental pain treatment. Whether you need an appointment quickly to treat recent dental trauma, root canal therapy to stop chronic tooth pain, an apicoectomy to treat ongoing infection, or a second opinion, we are ready to help.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact our endodontic office in Louisville, KY today.