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Frequently Asked Questions about Endodontic Perforations
Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio are experts in the repair of infections inside of the teeth and perforations. Drs. Rick Schwartz, Rick Davis, and Zac Liang use state-of-the-art technology and the most current endodontic techniques to give patients from south-central Texas and beyond the best possible chance of saving their teeth. Appropriate treatment also provides lasting relief from potentially intense discomfort and other symptoms associated with dental damage.
What is a perforation?
Perforations are holes that occur in the root canals. They expose the innermost tooth material. “Root canals” often refer to a nonsurgical process to resolve an infection inside a tooth. However, root canals also represent the hollow sections of the teeth. A root canal extends from the top of the tooth’s crown to the end of its root. These canals contain nerves, vessels, and other tissues. Perforations expose these parts of your teeth. In turn, they become vulnerable to damage caused by harmful bacteria and other substances.
What causes a perforation?
Perforations may happen naturally. They can be caused by severe decay and root resorption (internal or external). Infections, trauma, extreme heat, and chemicals can trigger this process. Internal resorption leads to the protective dentin layer, bone, and other tissues being reabsorbed (resorbed) by the tooth. Eventually, the tooth becomes hollow. External resorption affects cementum. This material covers the roots of the teeth. The process results in cementum being resorbed by the tooth. No treatment is 100% successful. Teeth that are treated with root canal therapy may fail. This complication is also associated with perforations. Too much tissue may be removed as the tooth is being prepared for treatment.
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New Patients: (210) 405-0473 | Existing Patients: (210) 497-6699
How do I know if my tooth is perforated?
There are many ways a tooth can become perforated. However, all perforations result in holes in the walls of the teeth, which serve as crucial barriers. When these barriers are damaged, tooth susceptibility to bacteria increases, leading to various potential symptoms. Signs of perforation include pain and inflammation. Infections that follow perforations may lead to the development of abscesses and pockets of pus that arise from the roots of the teeth. Trouble signs include swollen, discolored teeth, tissues, and the areas surrounding the affected tooth.
How does Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio treat a perforation?
Prompt and professional specialty treatment supports successful perforation repair, avoiding tooth loss. Perforations usually affect the innermost parts of the teeth, so diagnostics like x-rays may be needed to accurately evaluate the nature and extent of damage. Factors that influence our treatment recommendations include the size and location of the perforated area and the severity of damage.
Sometimes, a perforation may be treated with amalgam, composite, and other materials. These restorative materials cover the hollowed-out area. Perforations caused by decay or resorption may be suitable for root canal treatment. The infected tissues are removed during this process. Surgical crown lengthening to reshape the bone and gums may be necessary to effectively treat infected periodontal pockets between the teeth and gum tissue. As needed, our endodontists may recommend the removal of teeth with severe damage caused by the infection. Dental implants replace the teeth to restore a healthy appearance and function.
Do you have more questions or specific questions about your tooth? Call our office in San Antonio, TX, today at (210) 405-0473.
Dr. Richard Davis, DDS
Richard D. Davis, DDS, graduated from high school in Japan, attended the University of Washington dental school, and joined the Air Force as a general dentist in 1978. He completed the Air Force one-year AEGD residency, a two-year Advanced General Dentistry Residency, and a fellowship in biomaterials at the University of Indiana. Dr. Davis was a clinical instructor, research director, and lecturer at the Air Force. He has published many scientific articles and research papers, and has lectured on many topics. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1999, he completed the graduate program in endodontics at the University of Oregon in 2001, and joined Dr. Schwartz and has been in private practice in endodontics since then.
Dr. Richard Schwartz, DDS
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Richard S. Schwartz, DDS, graduated from the University of Minnesota dental school in 1977. He was a restorative dentist for 19 years: Early in his career, he attended a two-year general dentistry residency while in the US Air Force, and then did a combination of private practice, teaching, and dental materials research before entering endodontic post-graduate training in 1996. He has authored over 100 articles and abstracts in scientific journals and lectured extensively in the US and in 21 other countries, including 12 times at the American Association of Endodontists’ national meeting. Since 1998 Dr. Schwartz has been in full-time private practice in endodontics in San Antonio, TX, and has practiced with Dr. Davis since 2001. He was a founding member and first secretary/treasurer of the International Association of Endodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and International Association of Dental Specialists.
