woman holding jaw in pain

When to See an Endodontist

People know endodontists as root canal specialists, but the field of endodontics is a specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental pain and saving natural teeth. Your local endodontist has in-depth training, advanced techniques, and state-of-the-art technologies to provide exceptional care in a variety of circumstances. Here are some situations in which you should choose to see an endodontist for your care.


Dental Pain


When you experience sharp or throbbing tooth pain, it could be caused by tooth decay or a loose filling, or it may involve a crack or damage to the pulp tissue, in which case your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. Many causes of tooth pain are difficult to diagnose without the advanced equipment used by endodontists—even small cracks in a tooth can cause either constant throbbing pain or sharp pain when biting and chewing.


Prolonged Tooth Sensitivity


It’s not unusual to experience occasional tooth sensitivity. Some reasons for intermittent sensitivity include gum recession, minor tooth decay, or a loose dental filling. If, on the other hand, you experience severe sensitivity to hot or cold foods that lasts more than 30 seconds, it is a sign that the pulp has been damaged by physical trauma or deep decay. An endodontist can provide relief by performing root canal treatment.


Root Canals


While many dentists provide root canal treatments, endodontists have a higher level of expertise. The average general dentist may do two root canals a week, while endodontists perform 25 or more. This experience gives us the knowledge needed to treat even the most complex cases. Specialized treatment from an endodontist yields the best possible outcomes and faster healing times.


Dental Injuries


Because endodontists are specialists when it comes to saving teeth, they should also be your destination when you’ve suffered a traumatic dental injury. Endodontists treat cracked and broken teeth and also have the ability to replant teeth that have been knocked out. By seeking endodontic treatment immediately after an injury, you will maximize your chances of being able to save your natural tooth and avoid costly replacement options like a dental bridge or implant.


Abscessed Teeth


An abscessed tooth is a serious dental infection that requires urgent treatment. Signs of an abscess include an aching mouth or jaw, pain while eating, and swelling of the gums. You may also notice small white bumps on the gum tissue near the affected tooth. An abscess occurs when the pulp inside the root canal of a tooth dies, becomes inflamed, and is left untreated. The infection may or may not be painful, but regardless, an abscess should be treated with a root canal procedure or endodontic surgery because the infection can lead to tooth loss and may even spread to other parts of the body.


Schedule an Appointment at Lindemann Root Canal Specialists


At Lindemann Root Canal Specialists, we preserve your natural smile by providing innovative, patient-first care. To schedule an appointment, contact us today at 810-732-7900.