Historically, teeth with infected or damaged nerves and roots have needed to be extracted. Advancements in endodontics, a specialized branch dentistry that deals with the inner tissues of the teeth, mean that our dentists can now remove the diseased portions of your tooth and help you continue enjoying your natural teeth. We welcome you to call AZ Dental at 408-437-1111 to learn more about endodontics in San Jose, California, and schedule your appointment with Dr. Anastasios Photopoulos.
Endodontics is one of the nine recognized dental specialties, and is dedicated to saving your natural teeth by removing infected tissues and preventing extraction.
If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you may need endodontic treatment:
- Inflammation and tenderness in the gums
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Tenderness when chewing and biting
- Discoloration of your tooth
- Unexplained pain in the nearby lymph nodes
We may recommend endodontic treatment if you have:
- Bacterial infections – bacteria in your mouth can invade the tooth pulp through tiny cracks in your teeth, causing inflammation and infection in your tooth nerves and jeopardizing the health and function of the tooth.
- Fractures and chipping – when large portions of the surface or crown of the tooth become detached, it exposes the pulp of your tooth. Root canal therapy may be required to treat the problem.
- Injuries – injuries to your teeth can be caused by direct or indirect blows to the area of your mouth, and may dislodge teeth from the socket. When this occurs, root canal therapy is often needed.
- Removals (Avulsed teeth) – if the tooth is knocked completely out of the socket, it should be rinsed and placed back in the socket as quickly as possible. As keeping the tooth moist is critical in successfully replacing it, keep your knocked-out tooth in a special dental solution (available at most pharmacies), milk, or your own saliva. Our endodontist will place the tooth back in your socket with a special splint and perform a root canal to complete your treatment and help save the tooth.
For more information about endodontics and to make your appointment with our skilled endodontist, please contact our practice today.
