In some instances, a root canal can save a patient’s tooth. This is because sometimes an unhealthy tooth that isn’t treated can develop an abscess, but a root canal can prevent this. Sometimes a root canal is entirely necessary for a patient.

If you have a tooth that is cracked or chipped, suffering from tooth decay, or weak due to repeated procedures, then that tooth might be at risk for infection or further damage. Sometimes the tissue inside an unhealthy tooth can become inflamed and the patient will feel pain, sensitivity, and/or tenderness. Occasionally the tooth will become discolored too, or the patient will experience pain or tenderness in his or her gums or lymph node. When this happens, a root canal might be necessary.

When you need a root canal, the best kind of professional to provide it is an endodontic specialist. This type of specialist is an expert in root canals, so you can rely on the specialist to provide you with an effective treatment.

With the root canal procedure, the specialist will remove the unhealthy tissue inside the tooth. This can prevent the tooth from becoming damaged permanently. The tooth will be just fine without the tissue inside it, as surrounding, healthier tissues will take over the nourishment of the tooth.

Sometimes a procedure doesn’t remove all of the unhealthy tissue in a tooth, or other times a procedure doesn’t properly seal the tooth. In other instances, there is a previously undetected anomaly in the canal. In these circumstances, an endodontic treatment might be necessary. In this procedure, the professional will inspect and clean the root canal to prevent any complications from occurring. The patient will be left with a healthy canal and a healthy tooth.

For some patients, this procedure could be an alternative to a root canal. With an apicoectomy, the professional will open up the gum tissue around a tooth to access the infected or inflamed tissue. Then, the professional will remove this tissue, seal the area with a filling, and stitch up the area. This can work well for many patients in many instances.

To learn more about the professionals who can perform any of these procedures here at Ideal Endodontics, please see our Endodontists page. And if you’re wondering whether you could benefit from any of these procedures, then get in touch with us here at Ideal Endodontics. Our Washington clinic is located over at 1145 19th Street NW, Suite 314, Washington, DC 20036, and you can contact the clinic during standard work hours. Please book a consultation with us today!