Endodontic surgery in Fort Worth: A Patient's Guide
Severe tooth pain can disrupt your life, making it hard to eat, sleep or concentrate. While many people hope the pain will simply go away, ignoring it can lead to more serious problems. The good news is that specialized dental procedures can often save the tooth, relieve the pain and restore your oral health. This is where endodontic surgery comes in.
Endodontic surgery focuses on treating issues deep inside the tooth, specifically within the pulp and root canals. The goal is to save a natural tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. At West Fort Worth Endodontics, our team of board-certified specialists is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to relieve dental pain and preserve your natural smile. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about endodontic surgery, from when it's needed to what the procedure involves.
When is endodontic surgery needed?
While your general dentist can handle many dental issues, certain conditions require the expertise of an endodontist. If you're experiencing persistent or severe tooth pain, it may be a sign of a problem that needs specialized attention. To help you prepare, here's what you can expect during your first visit to an endodontist so you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Here are a few common reasons why you might need an endodontic procedure:
Root canal infections: If a previous root canal treatment fails to heal or becomes reinfected, surgery may be necessary to resolve the issue. An infection can cause significant pain and may lead to complications if not treated properly. Understanding when to consider root canal therapy for sudden tooth pain can help you know your treatment options.
Pulp necrosis: Pulp necrosis occurs when the nerve and tissue inside the tooth (the pulp) die. This can result from trauma or severe decay, often causing intense pain and requiring treatment to remove the dead tissue and prevent infection.
Cracked tooth: A crack in a tooth can allow bacteria to enter the pulp, leading to inflammation or infection. An endodontist can assess the crack and determine the best course of action to save the tooth, which may involve surgery.
Diagnosing the need for endodontic surgery
The first step toward getting relief is an accurate diagnosis. Most patients are referred to an endodontist by their general dentist, who suspects a problem that requires specialized care.
At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we use advanced imaging technology to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your tooth. We utilize Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), which provides a detailed 3D image of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. This precision allows us to accurately diagnose the problem and plan the most effective and least invasive treatment. New techniques can improve your care, like minimally invasive dentistry for root canal patients.
Choosing the right specialist can make a big difference in your outcome. Not all root canal therapies are equal, so knowing why choosing the right endodontist matters is important.
Endodontic procedure steps, by type
Once a diagnosis is made, your endodontist will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The goal is always to save the natural tooth whenever possible. If you’re unsure whether you really need a root canal or if a simpler solution like a filling might work, it’s helpful to know how to tell if you need a root canal or just a filling.
Root canal therapy
The most common endodontic procedure is root canal therapy. During this treatment, the endodontist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth, then cleans, disinfects and seals the space. This process eliminates the source of the pain and infection, allowing the tooth to be saved. With modern techniques and anesthesia, the procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. If you’d like to know why you might be referred for this treatment instead of seeing your general dentist, it helps to understand the differences between endodontists and general dentists.
Apicoectomy (root-end surgery)
In some cases, an infection may persist at the tip of the tooth's root even after root canal therapy. When this happens, an apicoectomy may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves:
Making a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone and the infected area.
Removing the infected tissue along with the very tip of the root.
Placing a small filling at the end of the root to seal it.
This targeted treatment helps to resolve the infection and save the tooth. We use advanced endodontics technology to ensure these procedures are as precise, comfortable and effective as possible.
Benefits and long-term outcomes of endodontic surgery
The primary benefit of endodontic surgery is that it relieves pain while saving your natural tooth. Keeping your natural teeth is important for proper chewing, maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth and preserving your natural smile. Sometimes you may wonder if you need this type of treatment or a different solution; knowing how to tell if you need a root canal or just a filling can help.
Root canal treatments have a very high success rate, and with proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime. We provide minimally invasive dentistry for root canal patients, which means less discomfort and faster recovery. After the procedure, you'll need to follow good oral hygiene practices and may need a crown placed on the tooth by your general dentist to protect it from future damage.
If you're experiencing urgent pain or swelling, our team handles dental emergencies with same-day care when you need help most.
Why choose West Fort Worth Endodontics?
When you need specialized dental care, choosing the right provider is crucial. At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Board-certified endodontists: Our doctors have achieved the highest level of certification in their specialty, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and continuous learning.
Individualized treatment: We understand that no two patients are alike. We create personalized treatment plans based on your unique needs and use advanced technology to ensure the best possible outcome.
Convenient location: Our office is conveniently located in west Fort Worth and we proudly serve patients from surrounding communities, including Benbrook, Crowley, Aledo and Weatherford.
High-quality care: From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, our team is dedicated to making your experience positive and stress-free.
Take the next step toward oral pain relief with WFWE
Living with tooth pain is not something you have to endure. If you're experiencing symptoms that suggest you might need endodontic surgery, seeking professional help is the most important step you can take. Addressing the problem early can prevent further complications and help you keep your natural smile for years to come.
Our team at West Fort Worth Endodontics is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you find lasting relief.