Do you have persistent tooth pain? You may need an endodontist. Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that treats dental pulp and tooth roots. Endodontic services repair the dental pulp, or the nerves, cells, and blood vessels that keep teeth alive.
Addressing dental injuries, cavities, and infections that affect the pulp can save permanent teeth. Dr. Lauren Francis and Dr. Rawley Fuller provide endodontics to prevent future dental problems and preserve teeth.
What Does Endodontics Treat?
Endodontics can treat a variety of serious oral health issues:
- Decay: Patients who have tooth decay can develop cavities, tooth abscesses, and other dental problems. Decay can easily spread from one tooth to another. Minimizing decay can prevent permanent tooth damage or loss.
- Abscess: An abscess tooth is a pocket of pus near an infected tooth. Tooth abscesses may not seem as important as infection within a tooth but require immediate care. Abscesses can lead to dangerous health issues like sepsis.
- Damage: Infections and serious tooth injuries can damage the natural tooth structure. Strengthening teeth and covering damage creates an even bite and prevents further injuries.
When Do I Contact My Dentist?
If you have these symptoms, contact your dentist:
- Tooth or jaw pain
- Sensitivity to sweet or cold foods and drinks
- Inflammation
- Gum swelling
- Tooth discoloration
Contact us immediately if you have a fever, difficulty swallowing, or cheek swelling. These symptoms can indicate a tooth abscess. If you notice pits or holes in your enamel, we can provide a dental filling. Sometimes, patients have cavities but do not require root canal treatment.
We can provide fillings for patients with these cavities. Patients who have cavities that expose the dental pulp will require root canal treatment.
During a root canal, we remove the infected dental pulp and clean the dental chamber. Finally, we seal the tooth with a dental filling. White or composite fillings can preserve the teeth. We may also recommend dental crowns if patients have particularly worn or weakened teeth. Crowns fully cover and protect teeth to create a balanced bite and prevent wear to damaged teeth.
Contact Our Dental Office
Do you have a dental infection and want to renew your oral health? Call Seaside Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today at 910-335-4392. You may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Francis and Dr. Fuller online.