Endodontics

Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp and nerves in a compromised tooth to prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissues. Root canal therapy is an effective way to resolve infection and pain and save the tooth from extraction.

At T. Kirk Crane, DDS, one of the most common reasons for needing root canal therapy is deep decay that has reached the inner chamber of a tooth and caused an infection or abscessed tooth. Sometimes trauma to the mouth can cause cracks and chips that affect the nerve tissue inside a tooth. This may eventually cause pain and require a root canal procedure.

When Is Endodontic Treatment Necessary?

Sometimes, tooth decay or an injury can lead to an infection in the tissues surrounding a tooth. This infection can spread through the root canal system, causing an abscessed tooth. When this happens, you may experience symptoms such as fever and swelling of the face and neck. Your endodontist will diagnose your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options. 

Endodontic therapy usually involves restoring damaged teeth with crowns, fillings, or other restorations. Root canal treatment is also performed to save an infected tooth and return the tooth to a functional state. If an abscess forms near the root of your tooth, your endodontist may recommend performing a root canal to remove the infected tissue and prevent the spread of the infection. Abscesses can be extremely painful and cause serious health problems if left untreated. You must seek advanced dental treatment if you experience these symptoms immediately. If you continue to delay your treatment, your symptoms may worsen and threaten your health.

The Procedure for Endodontic Treatment

During endodontic treatment, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth. Then the dentist will make a small hole in the tooth's biting surface. Through this opening, the dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleaning and shaping the canal's inside, a channel inside the root. They will fill the canals and place a temporary filling in the tooth. Finally, the dentist will place a permanent filling or crown over the tooth to help make it stronger. 

The most common symptom of the endodontic disease is tooth pain. If you experience pain, contact T. Kirk Crane, DDS, at 104 Exchange Pl, Suite A Lafayette, LA 70503, or call (337) 232-3873 to schedule an appointment with our endodontist immediately for an examination and evaluation is essential. The sooner we diagnose and treat the problem, the better chance we have of saving your tooth!