Our favorite endodontic treatment is a proper diagnosis
There's a stigma related to dentistry (and a lot of the medical profession) right now that medical professionals will encourage any sort of treatment just to make money. One of reasons we started West Fort Worth Endodontics was to combat the idea that every patient requires a procedure when they come into our office. In fact, our patients are often surprised when we don't recommend a procedure at our office, and instead provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment or refer them to a different specialist (as an example, a periodontist).
This post will explore the critical role endodontists play in accurately diagnosing the root cause of tooth pain, ensuring you get the right care for your specific needs. Our favorite part of the job isn't just performing an endodontic treatment—it really is figuring out the "why" behind your pain to set you on the best path to relief.
The role of an endodontist in diagnosing tooth pain
Endodontists are experts in diagnosing tooth pain. That's because we focus on the root canal of the tooth, which is where the nerves that send pain signals to your brain are. Oftentimes, a patient will be referred by their dentist to our practice to properly diagnose the "root cause" (forgive us) of their tooth pain and figure out the proper treatment going forward.
So, what's the difference between a general dentist and an endodontist? While both are dedicated to your oral health, endodontists like us complete at least two additional years of specialized training focused exclusively on diagnosing tooth pain and performing procedures related to the inside of the tooth. Think of us as the "pain specialists" of the dental world.
You might be referred to an endodontist if:
Your tooth pain is severe or difficult to diagnose.
A previous treatment hasn't resolved your issue.
Your case involves complex tooth anatomy.
At West Fort Worth Endodontics, Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh are passionate about getting to the bottom of your discomfort. We believe that the best care starts with a precise diagnosis. Sometimes, this means discovering that the pain isn't coming from the tooth at all or that no treatment is needed. Our goal is to help you understand what's happening and guide you toward the right solution for your overall health, even if that solution doesn't involve a procedure in our office.
Advanced tools for an accurate diagnosis
To solve these complex dental puzzles, endodontists rely on advanced technology. This requires an investment in tools that most dentists don't have in their office. One of the most powerful tools in our diagnostic arsenal is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).
CBCT Imaging
Unlike traditional 2D X-rays that show a flat image, CBCT imaging provides a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, bone and surrounding tissues. This 3D perspective allows us to see the tooth from every angle, revealing issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. With CBCT, we can:
Identify tiny cracks or fractures.
Locate complex or hidden root canals.
Assess the extent of an infection with precision.
This technology enhances our diagnostic accuracy, ensuring that any endodontic treatment we do end up recommending is based on a complete understanding of your unique situation.
Common causes of complex tooth pain
When tooth pain is persistent, it often points to issues happening deep inside the tooth. Like we mentioned above, that's because the inside of your tooth is where the nerves that send pain signals are. Here are a few common causes that we specialize in diagnosing and treating:
Root canal infections
The most well-known reason for an endodontic visit is an infection inside the tooth's root canal system. This happens when bacteria enter the pulp—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels—usually due to deep decay, a crack or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms often include severe pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and swelling. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to an abscess or even tooth loss.
Pulp necrosis
Pulp necrosis, or the death of the pulp tissue, is another significant cause of tooth pain. When the pulp dies due to trauma or infection, it can no longer defend itself against bacteria. This can lead to a dull ache or, in some cases, no pain at all, which is why a thorough diagnosis is so important. The tooth might also change color, turning gray or dark. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone.
Cracked tooth management
A cracked tooth can be tricky to diagnose because the crack may be too small to see on a standard X-ray. Pain from a cracked tooth is often inconsistent, appearing when you bite down or release the pressure. These cracks can allow bacteria to enter the pulp, leading to inflammation and infection. Correctly identifying the location using CBCT and the extent of the crack is essential for determining the right treatment and saving the tooth.
The importance of saving your natural teeth
Whenever possible, the ultimate endodontics goal is to save your natural teeth. Root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth and seals it to prevent future infection. Keeping your natural tooth has numerous benefits: it maintains your natural bite, preserves the alignment of surrounding teeth and prevents the bone loss that can occur after an extraction.
Advancements in endodontic technology and techniques have made root canals more comfortable and successful than ever. With the right diagnosis and expert care, you can preserve your natural smile for years to come.
If you're experiencing tooth pain, WFWE can help
Dealing with tooth pain can be stressful, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A proper diagnosis is the first and most crucial step toward relief. Endodontists like Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh have the specialized training and advanced tools to uncover the true source of your pain and recommend the most effective path forward.
If you're experiencing tooth pain in Fort Worth, don't wait for it to get worse: contact us at West Fort Worth Endodontics today. We're here to provide expert care, relieve your pain and help you maintain a healthy, natural smile.