4 Ways An Endodontist Can Help Maintain Your Smile
Posted on 3rd April 2023
If you’re like some people, you may not be familiar with the role of an endodontist in dental care, let alone how they can contribute to your smile’s health and beauty. Fortunately, this article aims to enlighten you on what an endodontist is and how they can help preserve and enhance your smile.
An endodontist is a dental health specialist trained to diagnose and treat issues related to the inside of teeth. In most cases, these dentists deal with dental infections affecting the ‘pulp,’ like root canals.
Among the most common procedures that endodontists perform include canal therapy, which involves the removal of the affected pulp. Afterward, the cavity is filled with a healthy alternative material.
What Is The Goal Of Endodontics?
Generally, endodontic procedures aim at maintaining natural teeth health. Endodontists achieve these results by diagnosing pulp issues and treating them early. For example, infection in the pulp can spread quickly and affect teeth roots. Endodontists diagnose and treat the issue before it becomes a menace. As a result, they save your natural teeth and maintain your bright smile.
Based on their specialisation, endodontists in a reputable dental centre can help maintain your smile in the following ways:
1. They Prevent Oral Infection From Spreading
Suppose that bacteria access your teeth roots and accumulate. In that case, you’ll probably develop an infection that interferes with your pulp integrity. If left untreated, the infection spreads and affects your smile.
It’s, therefore, essential to visit a professional endodontist who can treat the condition using root canal therapy. This treatment involves extracting the affected pulp, cleaning the tooth, and filling the cavity with an inert material. Your dentist can also use dental crowns to protect the tooth and prevent the spread of the infection.
2. They Diagnose The Problem Early
Diagnosing a health condition in time is the key to receiving proper treatment. This is also the case when it comes to dental issues. Lack of early treatment for your ailing tooth or gum can lead to severe pain and discomfort. This can also affect your general health, including your heart.
Fortunately, when you book an appointment with an endodontist, they’ll assess your symptoms, examine your teeth and gums, and prescribe X-rays for a more accurate diagnosis. These procedures help the endodontist identify the cause of tooth pain and administer the proper treatment.
After the examination, the endodontist will recommend a treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s preferences and needs. They’ll also advise on how to adhere to the treatment plan for the treatment’s effectiveness.
3. They Study And Protect The Pulp
The pulp is the only segment of a tooth that’s alive. It has nerves and blood vessels, ensuring the tooth receives the required nutrients to remain healthy and intact. The pulp is also responsible for forming dentin, which is the hard tissue that makes up the bulk of the tooth and provides support and protection.
Unfortunately, due to improper dental care, the outer part of teeth gets damaged by bacteria. With time, the bacteria access the pulp, making it vulnerable to infections that cause tooth decay and pain. Decaying teeth directly affects the quality of your smile. This condition can also lead to self-esteem problems.
Luckily, endodontists are on standby to help with such issues. As already stated, these professionals specialise in pulp conditions. Due to their experience in studying and analysing pulp biology, they identify problems and treat them effectively. If you need to protect your pulp for a beautiful, long-lasting smile, consider contacting a reputable endodontist.
4. They Can Detect Periodontal Issues
While they’re not experts in diagnosing and treating periodontal issues, they can still detect some periodontal issues during the course of their examination and treatment.
During a root canal treatment, endodontists may notice gum inflammation or recession, which are common signs of periodontal disease. Additionally, endodontists may notice pockets or spaces between the tooth and the gums, which can also be a sign of periodontal disease.
Suppose they detect any issue. They will refer you to an expert to prevent further problems.
Conclusion
Endodontists are trained in treating the pulp, the only living part of a tooth. When the pulp is healthy, your teeth will be unlikely to experience health issues. These professionals are also trained to detect and prevent infection before it spreads. As a result, they help maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.
Suppose you’re experiencing dental health issues. Book an appointment with a reputable endodontist, and begin your journey to maintaining your smile.
