Our teeth are sturdy and resilient enough to last a lifetime. However, sometimes we can experience a dental condition that will put the health of a natural tooth at risk. It can be tricky to know exactly when to see a Phoenix endodontist, when to see your general dentist, and when to take a “wait and see” approach to a tooth challenge. Here are several situations in which you should definitely consider making an appointment to see your Phoenix endodontist to make sure your natural tooth will survive and thrive.
It may be time to see a Phoenix endodontist when …
- You have serious tooth decay that’s led to a bacterial infection. Bacterial plaque forms on our teeth almost immediately after we eat. It can wear down the tooth’s enamel, and eventually tooth decay can erode much of the tooth’s structure. Oral bacteria are the most common cause of endodontic problems, and infection in your natural teeth can lead to an abcess if not properly cared for.
- You have a chip or crack in your natural tooth. Tooth decay can gradually wear down your tooth’s structure; damage from a chip or crack can create that structural damage in an instant. These sorts of dental injuries can expose the vulnerable tooth pulp to infection, leading to the need for a root canal treatment.
- You’ve experienced a dental injury. If you experienced a blow to your mouth or face, you may need to be seen by a Phoenix endodontist to evaluate a chipped or cracked tooth, or even a tooth that has partially or completely dislodged itself from your jaw. Even if the tooth or teeth that absorbed most of the impact seems fine, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your endodontist; sometimes teeth adjacent to the injury site can be affected, as well.
It’s important to note that an adult natural tooth can survive with out its inner pulp (which is why root canal treatments are often so successful), but it is not always able to remain in one’s jaw if the structural damage caused by an infection or injury is too great. “Your Phoenix endodontist will evaluate your tooth carefully when you’re experiencing discomfort or concern, and provide specialized treatments, if needed, to conserve your natural tooth,” says Dr. Allen, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group.