Deciding when to see a dentist and when to see an endodontist is no easy feat. To make things easier for you we have compiled the most common reasons to skip the general dentist appointment and go straight to your endodontist. If you are looking for the best endodontist in Long Island, NY, look no further than the team at Long Island Endodontics.
You Experience These Symptoms
- Severe and persistent pain as this may be indicative of an infection. Do not wait for the pain to go away. It will only worsen with time.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. You will experience more than slight discomfort. The sensitivity is likened to pain and may be a sign of enamel deterioration.
- Pain that is caused by little pressure such as experiencing pain when you brush your teeth or chew your food.
- Any swelling around your tooth, particularly if you did not injure your tooth. Swelling that is accompanied by drainage is typically the sign of pulp infection which can spread to the gum.
- A bump that looks like a pimple. It will be located on your gum and most likely near an infected tooth.
You Get These Injuries
- Broken tooth: Dentists can resolve the problem if a small piece of your tooth is broken off. If a large portion is damaged, it may expose the pulp, which will require endodontic treatment.
- Displaced tooth: When a tooth has been pushed out of its normal position, this means it is displaced. This can be caused by injuries and will require that a professional reposition it.
- Knocked out tooth: When a traumatic injury causes a tooth to be knocked out, save the tooth and store it in milk before you visit a specialist to replant the tooth. This should be done immediately, as it is recommended that the tooth be replanted one hour after the injury occurred.
Root Canal Therapy
When your teeth have experienced deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a blow to the mouth, you may require root canal therapy. This is a treatment that involves removing the damaged pulp to clean the tooth’s canals. They are then filled in to preserve the tooth. Although most dentists can perform root canal therapy, it is best to schedule an appointment with an endodontist, as they have undergone additional dental schooling to learn matters of the interior tooth, which is where the root canal will be performed.
For infected root canal treatment in Long Island, visit Long Island Endodontics. When you trust your care to a board-certified Endodontist, you can be confident that you are getting the highest standard of service.
Root Canal Surgery (Apicoectomy)
To treat the damaged pulp, individuals can undergo root therapy, which is nonsurgical, or apicoectomy, which involves surgery. There are many factors your endodontist will consider when choosing between both treatments, but the final decision will predominantly depend on the extent of damage and the severity of the individual’s symptoms.
Endodontic Retreatment
In general, root canal therapy or surgery are two effective methods to preserve the tooth. However, there are cases when the tooth does not heal properly and can become diseased with time. This can occur months or years after your initial treatment. When this happens, endodontic retreatment is a second procedure to save the infected tooth. If you are experiencing symptoms after a root canal procedure, don’t choose just any endodontist.
Choose the best endodontist in Long Island.
To schedule an appointment with Long Island Endodontics, call (516) 670-1507 today.
