What is endodontic treatment?
Endodontic treatment is a combination of procedures used to treat infections or other tissue problems that line the inside of the tooth root. The infected tissue is removed during treatment, and the space inside the tooth is cleaned and sealed off. If left untreated, an infection can spread to other areas of your body. Therefore, if you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in your tooth, it is essential to see us immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
Common Endodontic Procedures in Harrisonburg, VA
Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are one of the most common endodontic treatments. We use root canal therapy when one of your natural teeth becomes infected, and an abscess has formed. We will clean out the infection, seal it off with a filling, and place a crown to finish. Treatment is typically performed with a local anesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort.
Endodontic Retreatment Options
If you have had endodontic treatment and it has not worked, you may need retreatment. Endodontic retreatment is a specialized procedure that can save teeth that have been previously treated with root canal therapy. Retreatment involves opening the tooth again and removing any remnants of the initial endodontic treatment. Next, the root canal system is cleaned and sealed with a filling material. Again, retreatment is often successful in saving teeth that have been previously treated.
Oral Surgery for Traumatic Dental Injuries
Endodontic treatment is necessary when teeth are damaged by traumatic injuries, such as car accidents and blows to the mouth. Traumatic injuries can cause teeth to fracture, and the pulp (nerve and blood supply) can be damaged. It is essential to have your teeth treated as soon as possible because if left untreated, the tooth may eventually die. The exact treatment plan will vary for each patient depending on the severity of the trauma.
Apicoectomy Procedures in Harrisonburg, VA
Many dental patients have never heard of this procedure, but it is common to treat tooth infections. An apicoectomy is a surgery performed on the tooth’s root to remove infected tissue and save the tooth. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, drainage from the infected area, or swelling in your jaw, you may need an apicoectomy. Contact our office today to make an appointment with our team to see if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Pulpal Debridement Treatment
This procedure removes any dead or dying pulp tissue from a tooth and is typically recommended when decay or infection has spread to the pulp. If left untreated, this can lead to pain, swelling, and even tooth loss. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure you talk to your dentist about whether pulpal debridement is right for you.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is a relatively uncommon dental procedure. A pulpotomy is a procedure where we will remove the soft tissue inside the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals. This is done to treat a tooth with a deep cavity or infection. If left untreated, that infection can spread and cause serious health problems.
Who Needs Endodontic Treatment in Harrisonburg, VA?
Patients may need endodontic treatment for various reasons, but you may need treatment if you have tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling. In addition, sometimes teeth become infected, abscesses form, or the pulp inside the tooth can die. In either case, endodontic treatment is often necessary to save the tooth.
These are various signs and symptoms you may need to receive endodontic treatment:
- Bacterial infection
- Loose or lost teeth
- Swelling or bleeding in the gums
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Dental injuries
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, give our office a call as soon as possible, as you may need immediate care.
Contact Your Harrisonburg Endodontic Specialist Today
If you are in the Harrisonburg, VA area and think you may need endodontic treatment, please contact our office today. We are happy to answer your questions about treatment to put your mind at ease. Our team is experienced and knowledgeable, and we strive to provide each of our patients with the best possible dental experience.
