The health of your teeth not only is relevant to your dental health, but it is also important to your overall health. With a healthy set of teeth, you’ll be able to go through your day without pain, discomfort, and inconvenience.
Unfortunately, for many people dental care is something that only takes place at the last minute when the tooth is in poor shape. In most cases, the worst shape that your tooth can be in is when it requires root canal therapy. Root canal therapy isn’t always performed by your family dentist. It can done by a dental specialist called an endodontist.
What is an Endodontist?
Root canal therapy is necessary when your tooth is decayed well beyond the surface of the tooth. In many situations, the decay extends into the root of the tooth and below the gum line. As a result, the individual suffering from the decay may experience heightened dental sensitivity, constant tooth pain, and even swollen gums.
When your tooth is at this stage, you require the services of an endodontist. An endodontist is a dental professional who will assess your tooth and perform a root canal if necessary. There are a few signs to help you pinpoint when you need to undergo a root canal and thereby see an endodontist.
Your Tooth is Fractured and You Have Pain
There are many reasons to see an endodontist, but one of the most common is if you are suffering from a fractured tooth and are in pain. The pain usually results from bacteria or an infection that has developed in the fracture area and extended to the root of the tooth. When the roots are infected, the tooth cannot be repaired by a simple filling, but requires a root canal instead.
A Traumatic Dental Injury
Another sign that you need to see an endodontist is if you have undergone a traumatic dental injury that has caused damage to the roots and pulp of your tooth. The most common dental injuries include injuries from sports or damage to a child’s developing tooth. In these cases, a healthy tooth immediately turns into a tooth that needs to be repaired by an endodontist. The endodontist will assess the damage and take the action necessary to get your tooth’s health back on track.