7 Signs You Need Endodontic Surgery Houston, TX
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 Hermann Park Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. Our team can help. Call us at (713) 379-2767 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Importance of Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery can save a tooth in a variety of situations. It is often the last resort to save a tooth with problems associated with a root canal or when root canal therapy is not enough to save a tooth. Surgery prevents the need for tooth extraction, allowing patients to retain their natural smiles.
While many people experience fear at the thought of surgery, the notion that endodontic surgery is scary and painful is mistaken. Technological advancements and new techniques help patients remain safe and comfortable during their procedures. Many patients have endodontic surgery to remove discomfort as treatment clears any infection and repairs damage.
“Many patients have endodontic surgery to remove discomfort as treatment clears any infection and repairs damage.”
Pain and Sensitivity
Undergoing professional dental cleaning removes leftover food and debris from tight spaces of the mouth. While this debris can be uncomfortable, the discomfort should disappear following the professional cleaning. If pain persists after the procedure, it could be a sign of tooth infection or decay that may require endodontic surgery.
Although it is normal to experience some sensitivity when consuming hot or cold drinks or food, persistent pain can indicate a more significant problem. Pain that continues even after eating or drinking may be due to weak enamel or an infection inside the tooth. The latter problem may require endodontic surgery to repair the damage.
“Endodontic surgery may be necessary if root canal therapy fails to repair the tooth.”
Tenderness
Although many people experience some degree of tooth sensitivity, excessive oral tenderness when touching a tooth or chewing food is a symptom that may suggest the need for endodontic surgery. A tooth that sends sharp pain when chewing may be cracked or infected. If the damage is severe, endodontic surgery may be necessary to save the tooth.
When a tooth is painful to a slight touch, it is also a sign of a problem that may require endodontic surgery. Patients should not assume that this pain will disappear on its own. This pain will continue to persist and worsen until treatment can address the underlying endodontic problem.
“Although many people experience some degree of tooth sensitivity, excessive oral tenderness when touching a tooth or chewing food is a symptom that may suggest the need for endodontic surgery.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: 7 Signs You Need Endodontic Surgery in Houston, TX
Swelling, Draining, and Discoloration
Swollen gums and or gums with drainage around a painful tooth are a sign of infection. Patients who experience swelling and drainage of gums should seek treatment as quickly as possible. Without treatment, the infected area can grow and threaten a patient’s oral health and necessitate endodontic surgery.
Abnormal discoloration of a specific tooth root is one of the first signs of an infected or dying tooth. When a tooth is infected, its tissues turn dark brown and cause the tooth to appear more brown or yellow. Endodontic surgery is necessary to extract the darkened tooth tissue and helps restore the tooth’s appearance.
“Without treatment, the infected area can grow and threaten a patient’s oral health and necessitate endodontic surgery.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the importance of endodontic surgery?
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
People Also Ask
Q. How common are root canals?
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. Are there any alternatives to endodontic surgery?
A. Usually, the only alternative to endodontic surgery is tooth extraction. Patients that undergo tooth extraction must replace the tooth with a dental bridge, implant, or partial denture to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting and restore normal chewing function. It is best to save a tooth whenever possible as nothing looks, feels, or functions like a natural tooth.
Q. Is endodontic surgery painful?
A. Local anesthetics will help numb the treatment area to help patients remain comfortable during the procedure. After the surgery, it is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling at the incision site. Patients can manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medication.
Q. When can I resume my normal activities?
A. Most patients can resume their normal activities the day after surgery. Patients should refrain from doing any strenuous activities for the rest of the day after the procedure as it can cause increased swelling and bleeding. We also recommend that patients avoid exercising for three to four days following endodontic surgery.
Q. What will happen if I need endodontic surgery but do not receive it?
A. If a patient fails to receive endodontic surgery to repair a tooth, their discomfort will persist and worsen over time. The disease will spread and can cause severe health problems if it spreads throughout the body. Avoiding surgery can also cause the nerves in the teeth to die. Eventually, the only option will be tooth extraction.
Q. What are the types of endodontic surgery?
A. There are various types of endodontic surgery that can save a tooth. An apicoectomy is the most common endodontic surgical procedure. Other surgeries include intentional replantation, root end amputation, dividing a tooth in half, and repairing an injured root.
Scan here to view this page, 7 Signs You Need Endodontic Surgery, on mobile
Endodontic Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- Hermann Park Smiles was established in 2016.
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Harris County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Houston, Second Ward, Galena Park, Park Place, Southside Place, Third Ward, Pearland, and Texas Medical Center
- TX (License #26378). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1689909194). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Hermann Park Smiles on mobile
Back to top of 7 Signs You Need Endodontic Surgery
Related Posts
Dental Checkup: What You Can Expect From A Filling
Most dental patients do not set a dental checkup for a dental filling. It is either they are suffering from dental anxiety, or they do not see any holes in their teeth to fill. What may seem like a normal tooth may already need fillings. A dental checkup can determine if the patient needs a…
Is Every Six Months Enough For A Dental Checkup?
Although a dentist provides services on a patient-by-patient basis, the one thing strongly encouraged for everyone is to have a dental checkup every six months. This schedule is what the industry recommends and for good reasons. While some dentists agree this is sufficient, others feel that under certain circumstances a person should visit a clinic…
What Is A SMART Dentist And Why Should You Choose One?
As concern over the health impacts of mercury grows, more and more patients are turning to SMART dentists. These specially trained dentists can remove mercury amalgam fillings safely, reducing risks to patients and the environment. Their approach safeguards both patients and dental team members from potential exposure to mercury during the removal process. If you…
Aspects Of A Dental Checkup
Dental checkups are a common way of preventing gum disease and cavities. Not every visit is the same, but knowing what to expect can help you better understand the process. Your dentist will go over your medical history during the appointment. That way, the dentist can think about family conditions that might affect your oral…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Hermann Park Smiles on mobile