Sometimes the cause of dental pain is simple to diagnose and treat, when there’s a cavity or a chipped tooth due to trauma. Other times, it’s not as easily diagnosed or treated. When you can’t find out why your teeth hurt, it can be frustrating! If you’ve wondered, “Why do my teeth hurt?” an endodontist may be able to help.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is an expert in helping to manage and fix unresolved dental pain. Endodontists are dentists who have elected to undergo an extra 2 to 3 years of study and training in addition to the 4 years that regular dentists attend school for dentistry. Endodontists specialize in the treatment of the root or pulp of the tooth, which is where many of the nerves that cause dental pain are located.
When to See an Endodontist
It’s important to see your regular dentist routinely for an exam and cleaning, and if any cavities are detected, a filling or repair. It’s also a good idea to visit your regular dentist if you experience a dental emergency, such as sudden dental discomfort or a dental trauma that results in a chipped or broken tooth. But when should you see a specialist, and more specifically, an endodontist?
It’s time to call an endodontist if you are experiencing severe or prolonged dental discomfort or discomfort that continues after a dental procedure has been performed by your regular dentist. These may be signs that there has been more severe damage or a complication that has affected the root or pulp of the tooth.
What Will an Endodontist Do?
Your appointment with an endodontist may begin with you simply asking the question, “Why do my teeth hurt?” Your endodontist will talk with you about your dental history and the discomfort you’ve been experiencing along with any other symptoms that may be related. The endodontist will then use special imaging tools to examine the microscopic root or pulp of the affected tooth or teeth in the area of your mouth that is symptomatic to gain an understanding of what’s going on.
Call as Soon as Possible
If you’ve been asking “Why do my teeth hurt?” and the discomfort is severe or has not been resolved by a regular dentist, then you should call an endodontist immediately. Dental pain that is prolonged or severe may be a sign of damage or infection in the root of the tooth and it’s important to get it diagnosed and treated properly and promptly to ensure the best possible outcome. You shouldn’t have to suffer, so don’t hesitate to call and get help!
Call our Lee's Summit dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.