7 Signs You Need Endodontic Surgery Charlotte, NC
Endodontic surgery can give patients a second chance to save teeth that have been affected by infection or damage. There are various signs that people should be aware of, indicating the need for endodontic surgery. If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to schedule a dental examination to determine the extent of damage and cause of discomfort.
Endodontic surgery is available at Randolph Dental Care in Charlotte and the surrounding area. Our team can help. Call us at (704) 366-3622 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Importance of Endodontic Surgery
It is normal to experience fear regarding any surgery, but with advancements in technology and anesthetics, endodontic surgery has become painless. In fact, endodontic surgery can eliminate much of the pain, discomfort, and sensitivity that patients feel with a severely decayed tooth. Often, surgery is the only way to remove the decay and save a patient's natural tooth.
Endodontic surgery is crucial for many reasons, including detecting small fractures or hidden canals not easily visible on X-ray images, removing calcium deposits in root canals, and treating damaged root surfaces or the surrounding bone of the tooth. In most cases, surgery is recommended or required when all other treatments are no longer possible due to the amount of decay or damage in a tooth. The most significant advantage of endodontic surgery is the ability to save the natural tooth, although some cases may require a crown.
“In most cases, surgery is recommended or required when all other treatments are no longer possible due to the amount of decay or damage in a tooth.”
7 Signs You May Need Endodontic Surgery
Continuous Pain After a Professional Cleaning
Professional routine dental cleanings are often sufficient for removing plaque, tartar, and minor decay. However, decay that lies beneath the tooth's surface is unreachable and impossible to properly clean out during a professional cleaning. Patients who experience ongoing pain after a dental cleaning, especially around a specific tooth, likely suffer from an endodontic condition. Pain from severe decay in the pulp may make it difficult to chew on the specific tooth and the surrounding area of the mouth. In fact, the pain is usually persistent throughout the entire day.
Increased Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Although sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli can result from a variety of oral conditions, endodontic surgery is often required when the cause of sensitivity is due to pulp damage. When sensitivity persists after ruling out all other factors, a root canal treatment is often necessary. A root canal results from a deep infection inside the tooth's root or pulp that can compromise the entire tooth if left untreated. Treating the infected tooth and removing the infection will likely reduce or eliminate hot and cold sensitivity.
“Although sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli can be the result of a variety of oral conditions, endodontic surgery is often required when the cause of sensitivity is due to pulp damage.”
Pain and Tenderness When Touching the Teeth or Chewing
Pain, tenderness, and redness are common signs of an infected root requiring endodontic surgery. These symptoms can often be felt when touching the tooth or surrounding area and when biting or chewing. Although toothaches can be referred pain, or pain stemming from another area of the mouth or face, patients and dentists can often pinpoint the tooth in question due to tenderness and redness in a specific area. Removing the decay or infection from the tooth often eliminates this tenderness and allows patients to eat and chew normally.
“Pain, tenderness, and redness are common signs of an infected root requiring endodontic surgery.”
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Swelling or Drainage of Gums
Swollen gums are an obvious sign of infection and the need for endodontic treatment. The main cause of swelling is often plaque buildup, which in turn leads to infection. Gum drainage refers to draining the gums from an abscess or pus discharge. Drainage is typically the first step in endodontic surgery or root canal treatment. Following the surgery, the infection should be removed. The surgery will also reduce swelling and accumulation of pus and abscesses as the tooth is sealed off.
Abnormal Discoloration of a Tooth
Slight discoloration of the teeth is normal with age, depending on each individual's diet and hygiene habits. However, teeth that become a distinct yellow or brown color often exhibit an underlying problem. Endodontic surgery is recommended when tooth discoloration is coupled with other problematic symptoms such as infection, abscesses, tenderness, and swelling. In most cases, discoloration does not improve and cannot be reversed, but it can be stopped with treatment. Patients may choose to undergo whitening treatments after endodontic surgery to bring their natural color back.
“Gum drainage refers to draining the gums from an abscess or pus discharge.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the importance of endodontic surgery?
Q. Should I have persistent pain after a professional cleaning?
Q. Are pain and tenderness when touching the teeth or chewing a sign of a problem?
Q. Are swelling or drainage of gums a sign of a problem?
People Also Ask
Q. Are there any alternatives to root canals?
Q. Do I need a tooth extraction?
Q. What is the difference between endodontists and dentists?
Abscesses and Bumps
A dental abscess occurs when bacteria and the infected tooth pulp form a pus-filled pocket at the bottom of the tooth root. An abscess can cause severe discomfort and will not go away without treatment. Patients may experience less pain if the abscess ruptures, but they will still require endodontic surgery.
Another indication that a patient may need endodontic surgery is a small bump near a tooth. Patients with this bump should schedule a dental appointment as quickly as possible to remove the source of infection and pus. Endodontic surgery may be necessary if the tooth infection is severe.
“Patients may experience less pain if the abscess ruptures, but they will still require endodontic surgery.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the types of endodontic surgeries?
A. Endodontic surgeries include apicoectomies, calcium deposit removals, and root canal treatments. An apicoectomy is a surgery to remove an infection in the root that results after root canal treatment. Calcium deposit removal involves cleaning and clearing the area from calcium accumulation to get the area ready for a root canal. Root canal treatments are the most common type of endodontic surgery to remove the infected pulp from the inner canal.
Q. Does endodontic surgery hurt?
A. Advancements in dental technology and improvements in anesthesia have allowed endodontic surgeries to be pain-free. Patients may experience slight discomfort and tenderness following the procedure, but that should dissipate within the first few days. We will also prescribe antibiotics and pain relief medication to reduce swelling, inflammation, and discomfort.
Q. Can I drive after the surgery?
A. This largely depends on the type of surgery the patient undergoes. In root canal treatments, patients can typically drive themselves home as we administer only a local anesthetic. For more severe conditions in which we use general anesthesia, the patient must arrange transportation the day of the procedure. The patient will be notified of this during the consultation appointment.
Q. How much does endodontic surgery cost?
A. The cost of surgery depends on the type of treatment and severity of the condition. We encourage patients to speak with their insurance provider prior to receiving treatment to better understand what their plan entails and what their co-pays may be.
Q. How long will it take to resume normal activities after surgery?
A. Patients should be able to resume normal activities the following day. However, if they feel pain, dizziness, or fatigue, rest is highly recommended. In cases of worsening symptoms, we encourage patients to contact us as soon as possible to schedule a follow-up.
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Endodontic Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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