What Is An Endodontist and What Do They Do?

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal treatment and related procedures.  They study their specialty  for 2-3 years after dental school and become experts in diagnosing and managing tooth related pain and infection.  Other dentists refer patients to endodontists to manage their difficult and complicated cases, patients who are particularly fearful and some patients who are hard to numb.   

At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio,  Drs. Rick Davis, Rick Schwartz and Zac Liang  have the specialized knowledge, experience, and technologies to diagnose, treat, and preserve teeth that are badly damaged, painful and/or infected.  

What Are My Treatment Options?

Most root canal infections can be resolved with traditional root canal treatment, in which the nerves and infection are removed from the roots.  Some require a surgical procedure known as apicoectomy. The best approach depends on the diagnosis and your particular situation.  About ⅓ of our time is spent redoing previous root canal treatment performed by another dentist, a procedure we refer to as retreatment. 

What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve? 

Root canal treatment generally involves removing the nerves and infection inside the tooth. The space that is created is disinfected and the tooth is “sealed” to prevent reinfection.  Since nerves are no longer present inside the tooth, sensitivity and pain are resolved. The tooth is not “dead” because it is still surrounded by nerves and blood vessels. It is like any other tooth, but can no longer feel hot and cold.  Once the root canal procedure is done we place a filling to preserve the structural integrity of the tooth.  In many cases your regular dentist will recommend a crown to protect the tooth.

How is Endodontic Surgery Performed? 

If apicoectomy surgery is recommended, the end of the root and surrounding inflamed or infected tissue are removed in a minor surgical procedure.  In most cases a filling is placed in the end of the root to seal it.  Several sutures will be placed which will need to be removed the next week.  You can expect to take Advil or Tylenol for a day or two afterwards because your gums will be sore. 

When is Root Canal Treatment Recommended?

Generally, root canal treatment is needed to prevent further damage or loss of the tooth. Some examples include teeth with:

• Fractures or cracks
• Damage or trauma 
• Severe decay 
• Pulpal necrosis (tissue death)
• Pulpal infection

And When is Surgery Necessary?

Apicoectomy may be the only way to preserve teeth with persistent pain or infection following failed  initial root canal treatment. Additionally, there may be other challenges to preserving a tooth including root resorption (dissolution of part of the root) or widespread infection in the bone. Surgical intervention may be the only way to address these issues. With our specialty care, we can “save” many of these failing teeth. 

Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio treats patients from Boerne, Fredericksburg, Eagle Pass, Laredo, Spring Branch, Del Rio, south-central TX, and beyond. Call (210) 405-0473 with questions or to schedule an appointment.

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