How Endodontics Can Save Your Damaged Tooth 

If you’ve damaged a tooth due to an accident or blow to the face, you may be worried that you will have to have the tooth extracted. When a tooth is chipped or broken, many assume removing it is the only option. However, we can often repair even a severely damaged tooth using endodontic dentistry. 

What is Endodontics?  

Endodontics is a dentistry focused on preserving teeth that are diseased or damaged. The focus of endodontics is treating the tooth’s pulp, which is made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The pulp is living tissue that, if damaged, causes intense pain when infected. Left untreated, a tooth that is damaged can lead to an infected pulp and the death of the tooth. The dentists at Tonka Smiles regularly perform endodontic procedures to preserve our patients’ natural teeth. 

A tooth with minimal damage, such as a small crack or cavity, can often be fixed with a filling or veneer. However, if the infection has spread to the tooth’s pulp or the crack or chip is deep and has reached the pulp, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.  

Symptoms You May Need a Root Canal to Save Your Tooth 

There are several indications you may need a root canal, including: 

• A severe, persistent toothache 
• Tooth discoloration, usually grayish black  
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages 
• Pain when touching a tooth or when chewing/eating 
• Swollen gums 
• A blister or abscess on the gums 
• A loose tooth 

Non-Surgical Root Canals 

The most common endodontic procedure is a non-surgical root canal, a minimally invasive procedure that does not require oral surgery and can be done in our office.  

During a root canal, the top of the tooth is opened, and the pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and channels of the tooth’s roots. We then clean and disinfect the chamber of canals to ensure the infection will not return. We then fill the space with gutta-percha, a form of rubbery dental filling that helps preserve the tooth’s integrity and strength. We then seal the tooth closed and add a crown to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth. 

Advantages of Saving a Damaged Tooth with Endodontics 

There are many compelling reasons to undergo a root canal if your tooth is damaged or diseased, including: 

• Almost immediate relief from debilitating pain 
• Preventing the spread of infection, which can damage the jawbone 
• Avoiding an abscess if the tooth is infected 
• Root canals are less painful than a tooth extraction 
• Tooth extraction leads to shifting of the adjacent teeth unless the tooth is replaced with an implant, denture, or bridge. 
• Root canals are less expensive than replacing a damaged tooth. 
• The crown placed on the tooth looks and feels natural. 

If a toothache has lasted more than a few days or you have any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, contact our office immediately. The sooner we see you, the sooner we can relieve your pain, and the more likely we can save your tooth. You can contact our office at Tonka Smiles Phone Number 952-938-8533 to schedule an appointment. Please be sure to mention you are in pain, and we will get you in as soon as possible.