7 Signs You Need Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery can give patients a second chance to save teeth that have been affected by infection or damage. There are various signs that people should be aware of, indicating the need for endodontic surgery. If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to schedule a dental examination to determine the extent of damage and cause of discomfort.
Endodontic surgery is available at Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado and the surrounding area. Our team can help. Call us at (619) 354-5136 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Importance of Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery can save a tooth in a variety of situations. It is often the last resort to save a tooth with problems associated with a root canal or when root canal therapy is not enough to save a tooth. Surgery prevents the need for tooth extraction, allowing patients to retain their natural smiles.
While many people experience fear at the thought of surgery, the notion that endodontic surgery is scary and painful is mistaken. Technological advancements and new techniques help patients remain safe and comfortable during their procedures. Many patients have endodontic surgery to remove discomfort as treatment clears any infection and repairs damage.
“Many patients have endodontic surgery to remove discomfort as treatment clears any infection and repairs damage.”
Pain and Sensitivity
Undergoing professional dental cleaning removes leftover food and debris from tight spaces of the mouth. While this debris can be uncomfortable, the discomfort should disappear following the professional cleaning. If pain persists after the procedure, it could be a sign of tooth infection or decay that may require endodontic surgery.
Although it is normal to experience some sensitivity when consuming hot or cold drinks or food, persistent pain can indicate a more significant problem. Pain that continues even after eating or drinking may be due to weak enamel or an infection inside the tooth. The latter problem may require endodontic surgery to repair the damage.
“Endodontic surgery may be necessary if root canal therapy fails to repair the tooth.”
Tenderness
Although many people experience some degree of tooth sensitivity, excessive oral tenderness when touching a tooth or chewing food is a symptom that may suggest the need for endodontic surgery. A tooth that sends sharp pain when chewing may be cracked or infected. If the damage is severe, endodontic surgery may be necessary to save the tooth.
When a tooth is painful to a slight touch, it is also a sign of a problem that may require endodontic surgery. Patients should not assume that this pain will disappear on its own. This pain will continue to persist and worsen until treatment can address the underlying endodontic problem.
“Although many people experience some degree of tooth sensitivity, excessive oral tenderness when touching a tooth or chewing food is a symptom that may suggest the need for endodontic surgery.”
Swelling, Draining, and Discoloration
Swollen gums and or gums with drainage around a painful tooth are a sign of infection. Patients who experience swelling and drainage of gums should seek treatment as quickly as possible. Without treatment, the infected area can grow and threaten a patient’s oral health and necessitate endodontic surgery.
Abnormal discoloration of a specific tooth root is one of the first signs of an infected or dying tooth. When a tooth is infected, its tissues turn dark brown and cause the tooth to appear more brown or yellow. Endodontic surgery is necessary to extract the darkened tooth tissue and helps restore the tooth’s appearance.
“Without treatment, the infected area can grow and threaten a patient’s oral health and necessitate endodontic surgery.”
Abscesses and Bumps
A dental abscess occurs when bacteria and the infected tooth pulp form a pus-filled pocket at the bottom of the tooth root. An abscess can cause severe discomfort and will not go away without treatment. Patients may experience less pain if the abscess ruptures, but they will still require endodontic surgery.
Another indication that a patient may need endodontic surgery is a small bump near a tooth. Patients with this bump should schedule a dental appointment as quickly as possible to remove the source of infection and pus. Endodontic surgery may be necessary if the tooth infection is severe.
“Patients may experience less pain if the abscess ruptures, but they will still require endodontic surgery.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Endodontic Terminology
Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus that usually forms due to a bacterial infection.
Cementum
Cementum is that bone-like tissue that forms the outer surface on the root of the tooth.
Dental Pulp
Dental pulp is the inner-most layer of the tooth with connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue.
Direct Pulp Cap
A direct pulp cap is a procedure in which a professional treats exposed pulp with a therapeutic material to help the tooth heal.
Dentin
Dentin is the inner layer of the tooth structure that is immediately under the enamel and surrounds the dental pulp.
Enamel
The enamel is the hard calcified layer that covers the entire tooth and is subject to interaction with multiple substances.
Endodontist
An endodontist is a specialist who focuses on treating issues, diseases and conditions that affect the inner-most layer of the tooth, the dental pulp.
Pulpectomy
A pulpectomy is a procedure that involves the complete removal of pulp tissue from the root canal in a tooth.
Pulpitis
Pulpitis is another term to describe the inflammation of the dental pulp due to an injury or infection.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is a procedure involving the removal of a portion of diseased or infected pulp in order to protect the healthy portions of the pulp and teeth still in the mouth.