If you’re like most people, you understand the importance of maintaining good dental health and want to keep your natural smile for a lifetime. It used to be that the majority of dental patients ended up with dentures after they reached a certain age, but thanks to advances in oral health care technology, more and more patients are keeping their natural teeth. The branch of dentistry mostly responsible for making this happen is known as endodontics. Endodontists are specialists with advanced training designed to make them experts in saving natural teeth through the use of specialized techniques and technologies designed to provide patients with the highest possible standard of oral care.

What is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is someone who has graduated from dental school and continued their education to include advanced training that lasts for two or more years. This training focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of issues causing pain and discomfort in the interior tissues of the teeth. The procedures performed by endodontists are designed to keep internal tooth tissues as free as possible from disease and infection.

When to See an Endodontist

Many patients only see an endodontist as a result of a referral from their regular dentist. In fact, many endodontists require a referral from a dentist before they will see a patient. This is usually needed because for the endodontist to do the best possible job, he or she needs access to the dental history of the patient, which can be provided by the referring dentist. Keep in mind that even though all practicing endodontists have qualifications in general dentistry, only three percent of all dentists are certified to perform as endodontists.

Signs that you may need endodontic treatment include the following:

• Your teeth are extremely sensitivity to hot and cold
• You have unexplained swelling in the tissues of your teeth or in your face
• You’re experiencing unexplained tooth pain
• You’ve suffered an injury that left one or more teeth with fractures or chips
• You’re missing one or more teeth

Endodontists are trained to perform procedures designed to save the affected tooth or teeth. They treat each patient on an individual basis by considering a variety of available treatment options and coming to a conclusion on the one that best suits the individual needs and preferences of the patient.

Treatments and Procedures Performed By Endodontists

Endodontic procedures and treatments include the following:

Root Canal Treatments

Root canals are probably the most commonly performed procedure by endodontists. Root canals are straightforward procedures designed to relieve pain and inflammation associated with infections in the interior of the teeth. The endodontist removes the inner pulp of the affected tooth or teeth, thoroughly cleans and disinfects this area, inserts a sterile filling, and seals the area. Many people experience anxiety when they learn they need to have a root canal treatment, but modern dental techniques make this process virtually painless. Root canal treatment is often used as an alternative to the installation of implants to replace natural teeth.

Endodontic Surgery

When traditional root canals aren’t enough to fix the problem, an endodontist may recommend endodontic surgery as a solution to the problem. There is no need to be nervous at the thought of having this procedure performed — thanks to advances in dental technology such as digital imaging make it possible for this type of surgery to be completed quickly and comfortably. The most common type of endodontic surgery is called root-end resection, which is sometimes necessary in instances when the infection or inflammation continues to affect the bony area at the end of the tooth following a standard root canal procedure. Root-end resections are typically performed in the office using local anesthesia.

Treatment for Traumatic Injury

Sporting injuries, automobile accidents, and other types of blunt-force injuries often result in damage to the interior pulp of the teeth. General dentists often refer patients to endodontists in these cases. Teeth that have been knocked out of their sockets as a result of blunt force, for instance, can often be replanted, and root growth can be re-stimulated using a process known as apexification. This process also works when the trauma has significantly damaged the root zone but hasn’t completely dislodged the tooth.

Please feel free to reach out to us if you’re currently seeking the services of an Endodontist in Billings, MT. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment to meet with you to explore how our practice can best help you achieve a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.