If your dental provider refers you to an endodontist, or if you’re looking at your available treatment options, you may be curious to learn more about these specialists. Dr. James A. Penney III is an experienced endodontist who has been providing care in central Arkansas for 20 years! He and his trusted team are known for providing patients with state-of-the-art technical care in a comfortable environment. But what kind of care do endodontists provide?
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in saving teeth! They are experts at diagnosing and relieving tooth pain and use advanced equipment to treat patients quickly and comfortably.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, this could be a sign of damage, decay, or disease. Dr. Penney has a Tooth Pain Guide to help patients determine if they need endodontic and reparative treatment.
What kind of treatment do endodontists provide?
Root Canal
At the center of your teeth is pulp–a collection of blood vessels that help to build the surrounding tooth. The pulp can get infected, causing trauma, decay, and damage. To eliminate infected material, your provider will perform this procedure to remove Injured pulp, and the root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned and sealed.
About 90% of root canals are successful! Local anesthetic in addition to nitrous oxide analgesia can be used to ease discomfort. You will be able to go home soon after your treatment, and most patients can drive themselves. In general, endodontic treatment is less expensive than tooth removal and replacement.
Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic Retreatment is selected as a solution following improper healing or failure of a prior procedure. Doctors will reopen your tooth to gain access to the restorative material, and remove the material to access the root canal. Once the canals have been cleaned, doctors will fill and seal the canals and place temporary fillings in the tooth.
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is a simple procedure in which an incision is made to the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue will be removed along with the end of the root’s tip. After which a root-end filling will be placed to prevent reinfection, and then the gum is sutured. The bone will naturally heal around the root, eventually restoring full function!
When to see an endodontist?
In many cases of pain and sensitivity, it is important to take action immediately! The quicker you seek care, the better chance you have to save your natural teeth. Saving your natural teeth when possible is the best option. Why?
Extracting a tooth will require artificial replacements in order to prevent your other teeth from shifting and from experiencing future dental problems. In fact, the cost of a tooth replacement is often higher than an endodontic procedure. And nothing will look as real as your natural tooth!
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, don’t wait to see a provider! At Dr. Penney’s office, you’ll find 24/7 answering service, ensuring you can ask questions about care or schedule an appointment at any time!
Call today at 501-227-7668.