Can an endodontist save my tooth?
When you’re dealing with severe tooth pain, it’s easy to panic and assume the worst. You might picture having the tooth pulled just to stop the ache. But before you make that decision, there’s a specialist you need to know about who is dedicated to saving natural teeth: the endodontist. (Spoiler alert: That's us.)
Endodontists are dental specialists with advanced training in diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatments. While a general dentist takes care of your overall oral health, an endodontist focuses specifically on the interior of the tooth—the pulp. Our goal is simple but critical: to save your natural tooth whenever possible, keeping your smile intact and functioning perfectly for years to come.
At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we save teeth every day, and Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh are passionate about making sure our patients know exactly how we work. Read on to learn a little bit more about how we, as board-certified endodontists, can save your tooth if you're experiencing tooth pain.
Common issues endodontists address
Your teeth are complex structures. Beneath the white enamel and the hard layer of dentin lies soft tissue called pulp. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. When this area becomes infected or inflamed, that’s when you need an endodontist.
Here are a few common scenarios where an endodontist steps in to save the day (and the tooth):
Root canal infections
The most common reason people see an endodontist is for a root canal infection. This happens when bacteria invade the pulp, usually due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack. Left untreated, this infection can cause an abscess and severe pain.
Pulp necrosis
Sometimes the pulp inside the tooth dies (necrosis). This can happen after trauma or long-term decay. A dead tooth doesn’t always hurt immediately, but it eventually leads to infection and bone loss around the root tip. Endodontic treatment removes the dead tissue to prevent further damage.
Severe or lingering tooth pain
If you have sensitivity to hot or cold foods that lingers after the heat or cold is removed, or if you feel spontaneous pain when you aren’t even using the tooth, these are classic signs of pulp damage. An endodontist can pinpoint the exact source of this pain and treat it.
Cracked tooth management
Teeth can crack for many reasons—chewing on hard foods, grinding your teeth or aging. A cracked tooth can be tricky because the crack might not be visible to the naked eye. Endodontists are experts at locating these cracks and determining if the tooth can be saved with treatment.
Root canal therapy: saving your natural smile
There are a lot of myths surrounding root canal therapy, mostly that it’s painful. In reality, the procedure is designed to eliminate pain, not cause it. With modern anesthesia and techniques, getting a root canal is often no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling.
During root canal therapy, the endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp. They then carefully clean and shape the inside of the root canal, filling and sealing the space. Afterward, you’ll return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.
Why is this important? Because nothing looks, feels or functions exactly like your natural tooth. While implants and bridges are great options for missing teeth, keeping your natural tooth should always be the first priority. A treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.
Advanced technology in endodontics
One of the biggest advantages of seeing a specialist is their access to advanced technology. At specialized practices, endodontists use tools that go far beyond standard dental equipment.
For example, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) allows specialists to take 3D images of your teeth, jaw, nerve pathways and soft tissues. This provides a level of detail that standard X-rays simply can’t match. With CBCT imaging, an endodontist can see the exact shape of your root canals, identifying tiny accessory canals or hidden cracks that might otherwise be missed. This leads to a more accurate diagnosis and a much higher success rate for treatment.
Additionally, endodontists use operating microscopes. These provide magnification and fiber-optic illumination, allowing the doctor to see deep inside the root canal system to treat tiny structures that are invisible to the naked eye.
When to see an endodontist
How do you know if you need to schedule an appointment with a specialist? Often, your general dentist will refer you if a case is complex or requires specialized equipment. However, you don’t always have to wait for a referral.
You should consider seeing an endodontist if:
You have serious tooth pain when eating or when you put pressure on the area.
You have sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers after the hot or cold has been removed.
There is a small, pimple-like bump on your gums near the painful tooth.
You have darkening of the tooth.
You have tenderness or swelling in the gums near the area of tooth pain.
You have intermittent tooth pain that seems to come and go.
Saving your natural tooth is crucial for maintaining your natural bite, efficient chewing and normal biting force. It also helps you maintain a natural appearance.
A little about our practice at West Fort Worth Endodontics
At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we understand that dental pain can be stressful. Our goal is to get our Ft. Worth patients out of pain quickly while saving your natural smile. Dr. Francisco Nieves and Dr. Alex Fitzhugh are board-certified endodontists—a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of endodontists. This certification represents the highest level of education and commitment to the field.
We offer a full range of services including:
Root canal therapy: To remove infection and save teeth.
Dental pain diagnosis: Using advanced imaging to find the true source of your discomfort.
Apicoectomy: A minor microsurgical procedure to remove infection from the tip of the tooth root when a regular root canal isn't enough.
Cracked tooth management: Identifying and treating fractures to prevent tooth loss.
Located conveniently in west Fort Worth, we're proud to serve our friends and neighbors in Benbrook, Crowley, Willow Park, White Settlement, Aledo and Weatherford. We combine a gentle, patient-first approach with the latest technology to ensure your experience is as comfortable and effective as possible.
Don't ignore the pain; contact us at WFWE today
If you are suffering from chronic tooth pain, waiting often makes the problem worse and reduces the chances of saving the tooth. An endodontist has the specialized training, technology and expertise to save teeth that might otherwise be lost to extraction.
Your natural teeth are worth saving. If you are experiencing symptoms or have been told you need a root canal, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us at West Fort Worth Endodontics today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free smile.