If the nerves and blood vessels of a tooth have been irreparably damaged, an endodontist may attempt to save the tooth by performing a root canal procedure instead of extracting the tooth. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose.
During a root canal treatment the endodontics specialist will drill a small hole through the crown of the tooth and remove the infected pulp tissue. The pulp chamber and tooth root canals are then cleaned out and disinfected in order to remove all of the bacteria causing the infection.
If an endodontist recommends that you have a root canal therapy, then it is important that the procedure be scheduled as soon as possible. An untreated infection will result in the formation of a tooth abscess. The abscessed tooth will lead to destruction of the underlying bone tissue and may make the tooth impossible to save.
The root canal infection can spread to neighboring teeth and may cause swelling in the neck and face, fever, blood poisoning, and a general sick feeling.
If a tooth abscess has formed at the base of the tooth, it will be necessary to perform an apicectomy, a minor surgical procedure during which the tissue at the base of the root is removed.
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