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Endodontic
Treatment
What is it?
Why
is there a need for endodontic treatment?
Sometimes the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This
can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth,
a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth.
What
are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?
Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold,
discoloration of the tooth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby
gums. But sometimes, there are no symptoms.
How
does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans
and shapes the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space. Afterwards,
you return to your general dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration
on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.
Will
I feel pain during or after the procedure?
While many patients may be in great pain before seeing an endodontist,
most report that the pain is relieved by the endodontist and that they
are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment,
the tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection
before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter
or prescription medications. The endodontist will tell you how to care
for your tooth at home.
How
much will the procedure cost?
The cost varies depending on how severe the problem is and which tooth
is affected. Many dental insurance policies cover endodontic treatment.
Generally, treatment and restoration of your natural tooth is the least
expensive option. The only alternative is having the tooth extracted and
replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture to restore
chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
Will the tooth need
any special care or additional treatment?
You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored
by your general dentist because your tooth could fracture. Otherwise, just
practice good oral hygiene - brushing, flossing and regular checkups and
cleanings. Endodontically treated teeth can last for many years, even a
lifetime.
What
causes an endodontically treated tooth to need additional treatment?
New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause
new infection in your tooth. In some cases, your endodontist may discover
very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial
procedure. Sometimes a treated tooth may need endodontic surgery to be
saved.
What
is endodontic surgery?
The most common endodontic surgical procedure is an apicoectomy or root-end
resection. It is used to relieve inflammation or infection in the bony
area around the end of your tooth that continues after endodontic treatment.
The endodontist opens the gum tissue and removes the infected tissue and
may remove the very end of the root. A small filling may be placed to
seal the root canal. Endodontists use local anesthetics, like those used
when you have a cavity filled. Most patients return to their normal activities
the next day.
Once again we're investing in technology so we can treat our patients
with state-of-the-art equipment for the "gold standard" of care.
Hudson
Valley Neuromuscular Dentistry
Dr. Joseph Gulak, DDS
419 East Main Street
#302 Wisner Professional Building
Middletown, NY 10940
845-343-6231
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