Brushing twice a day and consistent flossing habits may help you stay ahead of tooth decay, but what can you do to protect your teeth if they’re already in trouble? It’s possible to save teeth that have started to show signs of decay without pulling them, thanks to the efforts of endodontists and oral surgeons.
When you turn to an oral surgeon for support, you can trust them to explain what endodontic surgeries may preserve your original teeth while getting rid of the pain and lack of use that comes along with decay. Our team at Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group has decades of combined dental experience that we can use to perform root canals and manipulate tooth pulp to the benefit of our clients.
What is Endodontic Surgery?
Root canals make up some of the most common endodontic surgeries. Endodontic surgeries specifically see oral surgeons try to preserve the structural integrity of a patient’s tooth by using the natural materials within the tooth itself.
The process of undergoing endodontic surgery, specifically a root canal, includes providing patients with an anesthetic. After that, endodontists put a rubber dam around the damaged tooth to prevent it from growing damp, as dampness can negatively impact the surgical process.
Once the tooth is secure and the patient is comfortable, oral surgeons will remove a tooth infection with a drill and other tools. Easier access to the tooth’s pulp will allow oral surgeons to more easily replace lost material. Oral surgeons will then file the modified pulp. Once a tooth is clean of infection and usable, oral surgeons will clear a patient’s mouth of tooth debris.
Patients coming away from endodontic surgery will likely have to deal with a few days of swelling and some discomfort eating and drinking. It’s always in your best interest to listen to an oral surgeon when they recommend a post-surgery treatment plan.
What Are Signs You May Need Endodontic Surgery?
Tooth decay differs in severity from person to person. Usually, a deep cavity will invite bacteria and damage closer to the core of a tooth, compromising its structural integrity, changing its color, and causing a patient a considerable amount of pain. Unfortunately, infections can develop the longer you leave deep cavities untreated, but root canals can help treat infections and pain.
It’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms that might indicate that it’s time to consider endodontic surgery. Some of the most pressing conditions you need to watch for include the following:
- Tooth discoloration
- Gum bumps that do not disappear over time
- Tooth sensitivity when exposed to hot or cold substances
- Severe tooth pain
- Swollen gums
If you’re not sure whether or not your teeth are in good condition, consider scheduling an assessment with a dental hygienist as soon as possible. Most hygienists can give you an overview of your tooth health and recommend you to an endodontist.
How Can You Protect Your Teeth?
Endodontic surgeries aren’t the end of the world, but there are steps you can take to limit your need for invasive treatments. If you start feeling pain or notice swelling around your jaw at home, make an appointment with an endodontist as soon as possible. Likewise, if you’re involved in an accident that damages a tooth, most endodontic surgeons will see you on an emergency basis.
In other words, the more attention you pay to your dental and facial health, the easier it’ll be for you to notice if you start to develop symptoms of tooth decay.
Endodontic Surgery Preserves Your Natural Teeth: Reach Out to Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group
Our endodontists know that while root canals aren’t anyone’s first choice of dental treatment, they’re better than the age-old alternative. Advances in dental medicine have allowed our endodontists to preserve patients’ teeth via pulp manipulation instead of defaulting to tooth removal.
Are you in need of a dental assessment or considering a root canal? Let our oral surgeons assess the state of your teeth before walking you through what to expect from endodontic surgery. You can book a free oral surgery consultation by calling (908) 663-5309 or contacting us online.
