What to Expect
Your first visit to Endodontic Associates is an important one as it introduces you to our practice and our friendly staff. Below you will find additional information to view before your first visit to our office. Also, to help ensure your first visit goes as smoothly as possible, we invite you to take a few minutes to explore our website to educate yourself about our practice.
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is a specialized form of dentistry that treats diseases or injuries that affect the nerve of the tooth, the root tip, and the structures inside the tooth called the pulp, pulp chamber, and root canals. Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic procedure. Endodontics is one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association; it was recognized as a dental specialty in 1963.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
The dreaded root canal therapy. Most people dread hearing the news that they need a root canal. While root canal therapy is a common dental procedure to eliminate infections in the teeth, it continues to place a negative image in patients’ minds. However, patients can rest easy knowing our team of experienced specialists offer the most comfortable, efficient experience possible when root canal therapy is needed.
Root canal therapy is a procedure where a dentist removes bad bacteria from the pulp of a tooth. That bacteria forms inside of the tooth for many reasons. Poor dental health is one of the most common causes. Also, when someone does not fix a cracked tooth, it is easier for bad bacteria to enter and attack the tooth from the inside out. An untreated infection inside of a tooth can make it painful, discolored and could eventually lead to the loss of that tooth.
After root canal therapy is completed, you will have a better chance of preserving the original tooth. In most cases, you may need to have a crown placed on top to promote long term success of root canal therapy.
Contact our office about root canal therapy services in Gainesville, FL to schedule an appointment to learn if you might require this procedure. The sooner you complete your root canal therapy, the faster you can be on the road to a healthy, beautiful smile.
What if I cracked my tooth?
A broken tooth can really ruin someone’s day! Whether a tooth was broken from trauma to the face, or from biting into a hard candy – it is very often necessary to contact an endodontist to treat. Here is what you should do:
What to do with cracked teeth:
- First, ensure you treat any other injuries related to the crack. A cracked tooth may be more likely to occur on a tooth where dental work previously was done, or where there is dental decay. If the injury was due to trauma, first ensure there is no injury that requires other medical attention. For serious injuries, call 911 or go immediately to the local emergency room or urgent care.
- Second, stop any bleeding with a gauze. You can rinse out your mouth with warm water or warm salt water. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may want to take some over-the-counter medication to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Third, recover any loose tooth fragments and store in milk or water. The Doctor may need to use the fragments while repairing the tooth, or use it as a reference for shape or color while restoring your smile.
- Finally, contact Endodontic Associates. As an emergency dentist, we will be available to treat your injury and advise on how to proceed with treatment.