How an Endodontist Can Help Alleviate Tooth Pain

That sharp, throbbing pain in your tooth isn’t just an annoyance, but your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Tooth pain can disrupt your entire day, whether it started suddenly or has worsened over time. While a general dentist can handle minor dental issues, an endodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating severe tooth pain caused by infections or deep decay. If your pain isn’t going away, it may be time to seek expert care to save your natural tooth.

At Burien Endodontics, we understand how disruptive tooth pain can be and are here to help. Using advanced diagnostic tools like CBCT imaging and digital radiography, we pinpoint the exact cause of your pain and provide targeted treatment to relieve it. Our mission is to save your natural tooth whenever possible through precise, patient-focused care. With a commitment to comfort and efficiency, we help you get back to life without the burden of tooth pain.

What Causes Tooth Pain?

Because tooth pain can stem from various dental issues, your endodontist must understand the root cause to provide effective treatment. Some common causes of tooth pain may include:

• Dental decay: Cavities, or dental caries, occur when the harmful bacteria in your oral biofilm breaks down your tooth’s enamel. This can lead to sensitivity and pain.
• Pulp inflammation or infection: Deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma can cause the soft tissue inside the tooth, known as the pulp, to become inflamed or infected.
• Cracked or fractured teeth: Depending on the severity of the crack in your tooth, the inner pulp can become exposed to bacteria and infection, leading to pain and the potential need for a root canal to safeguard the natural tooth structure.
• Gum disease: Advanced periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, which exposes the tooth’s root system. If the roots are left unprotected, this can result in sensitivity and discomfort.
• Abscesses: A severe infection that leads to pus formation in the gums can cause intense pain and swelling, affecting the surrounding teeth.
• Tooth sensitivity: Worn-down enamel, gum recession, or cavities can make teeth more sensitive to temperatures or sweet, sugary foods.

While mild discomfort may resolve on its own with over-the-counter pain relievers, persistent or severe tooth pain often requires the professional intervention of an experienced endodontist. 

How Endodontists Diagnose & Treat Tooth Pain

Endodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat conditions related to the tooth’s pulp and root system. Their mastery allows them to provide precise and effective treatment to ensure long-term relief from tooth pain. According to the American Association of Endodontists, about 25 million new endodontic procedures are performed yearly. 

Diagnosis

When you visit an endodontist for tooth pain, the first step is diagnosing the primary cause of your pain and discussing treatment options to address these issues. They will review your symptoms and conduct a detailed examination using digital X-rays and 3D cone beam imaging to assess your tooth’s structure and detect any cracks, infections, or decay. 

Treatment

Once the cause of your tooth pain is identified, your endodontist may recommend one of the following treatments to relieve your tooth pain and get you back to quality oral health:

• Non-surgical root canal therapy: The most common procedure endodontists perform uses an advanced dental laser to eliminate infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth, disinfect the tooth’s inner chambers, and seal it to prevent reinfection.
• Endodontic retreatment: If a prior root canal fails or complications occur, an endodontist may retreat the tooth with another root canal procedure to eliminate any remaining infection and restore function.
• Apicoectomy: In cases where infection persists despite a root canal and retreatment, a minor surgical procedure called an apicoectomy can be performed to remove the infected pulp as well as the tip of the root to salvage as much tooth structure as possible.
• Cracked tooth treatment: If a crack extends into the pulp, an endodontist will likely recommend a root canal to stop further damage and alleviate tooth pain. 
• Emergency pain management: If a patient is experiencing severe pain due to trauma or injury to a tooth, early intervention with a dental laser may save the tooth without needing a root canal.

By addressing the underlying cause of pain rather than just treating symptoms, endodontists can ensure long-lasting pain relief and help prevent natural teeth from needing to be extracted. If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, please contact us at Burien Endodontist to schedule an appointment. 

Trust Burien Endodontics to Alleviate Your Tooth Pain

At Burien Endodontics, we know how distressing tooth pain can be and are devoted to providing the highest quality care to relieve your discomfort. Our advanced diagnostic tools, including CBCT imaging and digital radiography, allow us to pinpoint the primary cause of your pain and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether you need a root canal, retreatment, or another specialized procedure, we focus on preserving your natural tooth and restoring your oral health.

With a patient-first approach, we ensure your experience is as comfortable and efficient as possible. Our state-of-the-art technology and 100% digital patient records system ensure your information is securely maintained while allowing for seamless coordination of your care. Don’t let tooth pain interfere with your daily life—schedule an appointment with Burien Endodontics today by calling (206) 402-5147 or filling out our contact form.