Unfortunately, if you’re beginning the new year with tooth pain, you’re probably wondering: Who is the best specialist to call? That's where an endodontist comes in—our specialists at West Fort Worth Endodontists are trained to care for the soft, inner tissue of your teeth (called the pulp) where tooth pain normally arises. This blog post will help you know when to seek an endodontist’s expertise and how it can save you from severe pain, infections and even tooth loss.

Signs you should call an endodontist

Endodontists specialize in saving teeth and managing severe dental issues. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is essential for your health and the health of your teeth to schedule a visit.

Persistent tooth pain

Toothaches happen, but when pain lingers or worsens over time, it might indicate a deeper issue such as inflammation or infection in the tooth's pulp. Endodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating the root cause of ongoing tooth pain.

Sensitivity to hot or cold

If a sip of coffee or bite of ice cream triggers a sharp, lingering pain that does not go away once the temperature changes, your tooth might need professional attention. Prolonged sensitivity can be a sign of pulp damage.

Swollen or tender gums

Redness, tenderness or swelling around the gum area of a specific tooth is not something to ignore. Some cases may also involve a lump or abscess near the affected tooth, indicating an infection requiring immediate treatment.

Discoloration of a tooth

A tooth that has darkened or turned gray could signal an issue with its internal pulp. This type of discoloration often occurs when the pulp is damaged or dying, calling for specialized care from an endodontist.

Cracked or chipped tooth

Accidents happen—whether it’s a fall, biting down on something hard, or a sports injury. Cracks or chips can expose the inner layers of your tooth, increasing the risk of infection and pain. There are many types of cracks and our team is ready to do our best to fix each and every one we are able to.

Pimple-like bump on gums

If you spot a bump on your gums that resembles a pimple, it could be an abscess, which is a pocket of infection. These require urgent intervention from an endodontist to prevent the infection from spreading.

Trauma to the teeth

If you’ve experienced any significant trauma, such as a car accident or sports injury and your teeth are damaged or loosened, an endodontist can assess and treat any underlying issues.

Why you shouldn’t ignore the symptoms

Dental problems don’t get better on their own. Ignoring the signs of pulp damage or infection can lead to serious complications. Timely treatment is essential to saving your natural teeth.

Potential risks of untreated issues

• Worsening pain: What starts as mild discomfort can quickly escalate into severe pain, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or even focus on daily tasks.

• Tooth loss: Damaged pulp, if left untreated, can result in tooth decay so severe that saving the tooth is no longer possible.

• Spread of infection: An untreated dental infection doesn’t just stop at your mouth. It can spread to your bloodstream, leading to potentially life-threatening complications like sepsis.

Benefits of early intervention

Seeking an endodontist early can help you avoid these risks and protect your overall dental health. Procedures like root canal therapy or endodontics retreatment can save your natural tooth and restore its function, leaving you with a healthy, pain-free smile.

What to expect during an endodontics visit

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling a visit to an endodontist is the first step toward relief. Here’s what you can typically expect during your appointment.

Diagnostic procedures

Your endodontist will likely start with a thorough examination, which may include X-rays or advanced imaging tools like cone-beam CT scans. These technologies help pinpoint the precise cause of the problem.

Common treatments

• Root canal therapy: This procedure removes infected or inflamed pulp, cleans out the inside of the tooth and seals it to prevent further issues. Root canal therapy is our go-to procedure for clearing infections and saving natural teeth.

• Treatment for cracked teeth: If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, your endodontist will likely repair and seal it to protect against infection.

• Endodontics retreatment: For cases where a previous root canal didn’t fully resolve the issue, retreatment may be performed to fix the problem. At WFWE Endodontics, we've mastered many techniques to meet the needs of our individual clients.

Endodontists are focused on your comfort throughout these procedures, using advanced tools to minimize discomfort and speed up your recovery.

Why West Fort Worth Endodontics is the best choice

When it comes to specialized dental care, you want to trust your teeth to the best hands possible. Here’s why the board-certified endodontists at West Fort Worth Endodontics should be your #1 choice!

Expertise in complex cases

Our skilled endodontists have years of experience diagnosing and treating complex dental issues. From routine root canals to the most challenging cases, we’re here to help you save your teeth.

Advanced technology

We use the latest imaging and treatment tools to ensure precision and comfort in every procedure. Innovations like cone-beam CT scans and microscopic surgery allow us to deliver care at the highest standard.

Personalized care

At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we understand that no two patients are the same. That's why we create individualized treatment plans tailored to your needs, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. Knowing what to do about tooth pain and the best way to save natural teeth is our job!

If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, or any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait. Contact West Fort Worth Endodontics today to schedule a consultation and get back to living pain-free.