What Does an Endodontist Do to Treat Tooth Infections?

If you’ve ever felt a throbbing ache in your tooth or noticed swelling in your gums, you might be dealing with an infection that needs more than a quick fix. This is when you need the help of an endodontist, as they focus on diagnosing and treating issues deep inside your teeth. Let’s see what an endodontist does to tackle tooth infections and what you’ll experience during root canal therapy. 

How Does an Endodontist Treat Your Tooth Infection

An endodontist is a dentist with extra training in treating dental pulp infections. When bacteria get into the pulp, because of deep decay, cracks, or trauma, they cause infections. Therefore, an endodontist steps in to address the problem at its core.

Their go-to treatment is usually a root canal, but don’t let that term scare you! It’s a simple procedure for removing the infected pulp, cleaning out the tooth’s inner canals, and sealing it up to prevent further issues. They might also prescribe oral antibiotics if the infection has spread beyond the tooth, like into your gums or jawbone. 

Endodontists use advanced tools like digital X-rays and microscopes to clearly understand what’s happening inside your tooth. This precision helps them treat the infection effectively while keeping as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Additional Note
In some cases, if the infection is severe or a previous treatment didn’t work, they may perform a surgical procedure called an apicoectomy, where they remove the tip of the tooth’s root to clear out lingering infection.

Can an Endodontist Save Infected Teeth?

The short answer? Yes, in most cases! Endodontists are experts at saving teeth that might otherwise need to be pulled. According to an article on PubMed Central, root canal treatment is highly successful, with 86% success for first-time treatments and 78.2% for retreatments, so it’s a good option to save teeth before pulling them out. However, the tooth’s condition matters. If the infection has caused severe damage to the tooth’s structure or spread extensively to the jawbone, tooth extraction might be the only option.

The Process of Root Canal Therapy

If you need a root canal, it’s helpful to understand the process so you feel more comfortable during the procedure. The entire process usually takes one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of the infection. Here’s what you can expect.

1. Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis

Before any treatment begins, your endodontist will first assess the problem through a thorough examination. They may ask about your symptoms, pain level, and any relevant health issues. X-rays are also taken to see the extent of the infection and to check the root structure of the tooth. This helps the endodontist understand how deep the infection has spread and the condition of the surrounding tissues.

After that, the endodontist will numb the area around the infected tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure.

2. Access Opening and Pulp Removal

The endodontist will create a small hole at the top of the tooth, usually in the crown (the top part of the tooth), to access the pulp chamber (the area containing the nerves and blood vessels). Using small, specialized instruments, the endodontist will remove the infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth. This is a critical part of the process, as the infection must be completely eliminated to prevent it from spreading further.

Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly. This cleaning is done with tiny files to remove any remaining pulp tissue and bacteria. The root canals are then shaped and disinfected to ensure no infection is left behind.

3. Shaping and Disinfection of the Root Canals

The next step is preparing the root canals for filling. This is an essential part of ensuring the long-term health of the tooth. The endodontist will use small instruments (files) to shape the root canals, creating space for the filling material. The shape of the canal is adjusted to be smooth and properly sized. After shaping, the root canals are flushed with an antimicrobial solution to clean away any bacteria and debris. This ensures that any potential infection is fully eradicated and reduces the risk of future infection.

4. Filling the Root Canals

Once the tooth is cleaned and shaped, the next step is to fill the root canals to seal them and prevent any further infection. The root canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, which is biocompatible and helps to seal the canals. The goal is to completely fill the space to prevent bacteria from entering. The access hole in the top of the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling material. This keeps bacteria out of the tooth and helps to restore the tooth’s structure.

5. Restoring the Tooth with a Crown

After the root canal procedure, the tooth must be fully restored to ensure it functions well and looks natural. This final step helps protect the tooth from further damage. If you’re not getting a crown right away, your endodontist will place a temporary filling in the tooth to keep it sealed and protected until the permanent restoration is ready.

Signs You May Have an Infected or Abscessed Tooth

Tooth abscesses and infections don’t always make themselves obvious right away, but there are some common signs you should watch for. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist or endodontist as soon as possible:

• Severe tooth pain or sensitivity, especially when chewing or applying pressure
• Swelling in the gums or face
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Foul taste or odor in the mouth
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes in the neck

At Lawrence Dental Care, we recently treated a patient who came to us with severe tooth pain and facial swelling, initially mistaking it for a minor issue. Our endodontist diagnosed a deep infection and performed a root canal, relieving their pain and saving the tooth from extraction. Therefore, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional care promptly to prevent the infection from spreading and causing further damage.

Top Aftercare Tips for a Successful Root Canal Recovery

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful recovery following endodontic treatment, such as a root canal. By following these tips, you can minimize discomfort, promote healing, and protect your treated tooth.

• Take any prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, as directed by your dentist.
  • Important Note: Avoid aspirin if bleeding is a concern, as it may thin the blood.
• Stay away from hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the temporary filling.
• Consume soft, nutritious foods, such as yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes.
• Keep the area clean to prevent infection, but be gentle.
• Contact your dentist immediately if you experience severe pain or persistent swelling.
• Keep all scheduled appointments to ensure the long-term success of your treatment.

Final Word

Tooth infections can be painful and distressing, but an endodontist can help by providing effective treatments like root canal therapy. Treating the infection and preserving the tooth can restore oral health and alleviate discomfort.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect a tooth infection, don’t wait to seek expert care. At Lawrence Dental Care, our skilled endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating tooth infections with advanced techniques to save your natural teeth. We also offer professional dental services, from dental bridges in Scarborough to restorative treatments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our endodontic treatments can help you achieve a pain-free, healthy smile. 

FAQ

Have you or someone you know undergone endodontic treatment for a tooth infection? We’d love to hear about your experiences or any questions you have about the process! Drop a comment below to share your story or ask for advice!