As a patient, you likely think of your general dentist or hygienist as your partner in your dental health. These are people you see frequently, who monitor your oral health during each visit and talk with you regarding any progress or potential issues that they find. While both of these dental professionals are vital, your endodontist can be a valuable partner in ensuring your oral health, as well.
As a patient, you likely think of your general dentist or hygienist as your partner in your dental health. These are people you see frequently, who monitor your oral health during each visit and talk with you regarding any progress or potential issues that they find. While both of these dental professionals are vital, your endodontist can be a valuable partner in ensuring your oral health, as well.
It is likely that you were originally referred to our office by your general dentist because you needed root canal treatment. Endodontists specialize in performing root canal therapy to help save an infected tooth from extraction. However, this is not our only area of expertise. As an endodontist, our doctor’s specialty training also focused heavily on providing effective treatment for dental trauma.
Damage or trauma to the teeth, mouth, or jaws can range from very mild to extreme. Dr. Alvarado and office is available for expert consultation, evaluation, and treatment of dental trauma, often extending beyond normal business hours. If you or your child experience dental trauma, contact our office and your general dentist immediately, so you can be seen and treated as soon as possible.
Dental trauma includes:
- Chipped tooth
- Cracked or fractured tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Soft tissue injury to gums, lips, cheek, or tongue
- Jaw bone injury
- Damage to dental restoration
- And more
As one of your partners in dental health, our team is happy to provide you with any information you need regarding the services we offer. Whether you need a quick appointment for dental trauma treatment, root canal therapy to stop the pain from an infected tooth, or a second opinion on whether a tooth needs to be extracted, we are here to help.
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a specialty in dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions involving the nerves and other tissues within the teeth. These conditions range from cracked teeth to infection and abscesses of the inner central pulp of the tooth. Endodontics differs from general dentistry as it involves more sophisticated treatments such as root canal therapy and endodontic surgery.
The main goal of endodontic care is to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to tooth decay, trauma, or infection. A patient’s natural tooth can be preserved through proper endodontic treatments, reducing the need for more complex dental procedures, such as dental implants. Endodontists also use specialized techniques and materials to treat damaged and infected teeth successfully.
Endodontics has become an important tool for modern dental treatment and has a high success rate for saving teeth and promoting long-term dental health. Therefore, properly diagnosing and treating endodontic diseases can help minimize the need for more extensive and expensive treatments, promoting overall dental health.
Endodontic treatments are more involved than general dentistry, often requiring special instruments, medications, and advanced X-rays to help ensure the best possible outcome. Whereas general dentistry focuses mainly on preventive care and treatments, endodontics centers on saving teeth and restoring their functionality. Here are the types of treatments and procedures endodontists perform
Common Endodontic Procedures at Our Fort Lauderdale Office
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat an infected or inflamed tooth. During the procedure, the infected pulp is removed, and the tooth’s interior is shaped and filled with a special material. The patient typically receives a crown to cover the tooth and restore it to normal function. The procedure usually relieves the pain associated with the infection.
Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment is a procedure where a previous root canal treatment is reopened to repair a failed treatment or access an infection. This may include accessing a blocked canal, removing broken instruments, filling material, and re-filling and sealing the root canal system.
Apicoectomy
A surgical procedure to remove the end of the root (apical) of a tooth and the surrounding tissue. It is used to treat infected root tips or damage from prior treatments. An incision is made in the gum to access the affected root, and the infected tissue is removed before cutting the root end. A root-end filling is then placed to seal the root canal.
Dental Trauma Management
Dental trauma management involves treating injuries to the teeth, jaws, gums, and mouth-supporting structures. Treatment usually involves stabilizing any displaced/fractured teeth and effectively managing infection. It often includes accessing the pulp chamber and cleaning, shaping, and sealing the root canal. Additional treatment options may include oronasal or oral surgery.
Importance Of Endodontic Care
Endodontic care is an integral component of maintaining overall oral health. This type of dental care specializes in diagnosing and treating issues related to the nerve and root of teeth. Endodontic treatment can save a tooth from decay, infection, or trauma, by preserving the remaining healthy enamel and root structure.
Root canal treatments can prevent the extraction of the tooth, which can help maintain the natural function and aesthetics of the smile. Endodontic treatments are highly effective and typically last many years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. By preserving your natural teeth, endodontic care helps to protect the structure of your mouth and keeps your smile looking and feeling its best.
How To Choose An Endodontist in Fort Lauderdale
When choosing an endodontist in your local Fort Lauderdale area, look for someone certified by the American Association of Endodontists and with extensive experience in the field. Additionally, inquire about any special approaches or treatments they may offer. Research the endodontist’s credentials and ensure they have a valid license to practice.
Contact friends, family, and colleagues for referrals, or use online resources like HealthGrades to read patient reviews before selecting a practitioner. Ask about payment plans and any financial assistance options available. Finally, it is important to be comfortable with the endodontist once you have met them and select the one who best meets your individual needs.
Preparing For Your Endodontic Procedure at Our Fort Lauderdale Office
Following your dentist’s instructions before, during, and after an endodontic procedure is important. Before the procedure, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly and refrain from eating or drinking within the previous four hours. You may also need to take antibiotics prescribed by the dentist. During the procedure, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area and then make an access opening to prepare for root canal treatment.
You may experience pressure or be asked to bite down during this procedure. After the procedure, you may be prescribed pain or anti-inflammatory medications. A follow-up appointment is also needed to check the healing of the area. You must keep the area clean and practice good oral hygiene while you heal.
Common Root Canal Myths And Misconceptions
- Myth: Root canals are painful.
- Truth: Root canals are a very comfortable procedure. Most people report minimal to no pain during the procedure compared to what they were experiencing before the treatment. With the help of anesthetics and new technology, root canal treatments are much better tolerated than in the past.
- Myth: Root canals are dangerous and unhealthy.
- Truth: While some have expressed concerns about potential risks associated with root canals, modern root canal treatments have been proven safe and effective. The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that root canals are a safe and effective method for preserving a tooth when its pulp becomes infected.
- Myth: You don’t need root canals if you floss and brush.
- Truth: No matter how well you brush and floss, your teeth may still be vulnerable to decay. Even with good dental hygiene, bacteria can enter the pulp of your tooth, leading to infection. That’s why root canal treatments are necessary.
Endodontic care is essential to maintaining oral health. Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating many dental issues, including root canals, abscesses, and other causes of tooth and jaw pain. Endodontic treatment can ensure that even badly damaged teeth can be saved through specialized root canal treatments. By visiting an All Smiles Dental, patients can receive the care they need to restore oral health and improve their overall quality of life. If you are experiencing any pain, discomfort, or concerns regarding your teeth and gums, it is highly recommended that you seek out an endodontist for an evaluation.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us.
