7 Signs You Need Endodontic Surgery Douglasville, GA
It is important to take note of the seven key signs that indicate the need for endodontic surgery. Endodontic surgery may seem scary, but it is a sure way to save natural tooth structure from severe decay when other treatments are no longer possible. Endodontic surgery, often referred to as root canal treatment, takes place inside the tooth's pulp chamber to preserve the teeth.
Endodontic surgery is available at Douglasville Dental Associates in Douglasville and the surrounding area. We can help curb or eliminate tooth pain and sensitivity while preserving as much natural tooth as possible. Call us today at (770) 746-8683 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Importance of Endodontic Surgery
Endodontic surgery can save a tooth in a variety of situations. It is often the last resort to save a tooth with problems associated with a root canal or when root canal therapy is not enough to save a tooth. Surgery prevents the need for tooth extraction, allowing patients to retain their natural smiles.
While many people experience fear at the thought of surgery, the notion that endodontic surgery is scary and painful is mistaken. Technological advancements and new techniques help patients remain safe and comfortable during their procedures. Many patients have endodontic surgery to remove discomfort as treatment clears any infection and repairs damage.
“Many patients have endodontic surgery to remove discomfort as treatment clears any infection and repairs damage.”
Pain and Sensitivity
Undergoing professional dental cleaning removes leftover food and debris from tight spaces of the mouth. While this debris can be uncomfortable, the discomfort should disappear following the professional cleaning. If pain persists after the procedure, it could be a sign of tooth infection or decay that may require endodontic surgery.
Although it is normal to experience some sensitivity when consuming hot or cold drinks or food, persistent pain can indicate a more significant problem. Pain that continues even after eating or drinking may be due to weak enamel or an infection inside the tooth. The latter problem may require endodontic surgery to repair the damage.
“Endodontic surgery may be necessary if root canal therapy fails to repair the tooth.”
Tenderness
Although many people experience some degree of tooth sensitivity, excessive oral tenderness when touching a tooth or chewing food is a symptom that may suggest the need for endodontic surgery. A tooth that sends sharp pain when chewing may be cracked or infected. If the damage is severe, endodontic surgery may be necessary to save the tooth.
When a tooth is painful to a slight touch, it is also a sign of a problem that may require endodontic surgery. Patients should not assume that this pain will disappear on its own. This pain will continue to persist and worsen until treatment can address the underlying endodontic problem.
“Although many people experience some degree of tooth sensitivity, excessive oral tenderness when touching a tooth or chewing food is a symptom that may suggest the need for endodontic surgery.”
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Swelling, Draining, and Discoloration
Swollen gums and or gums with drainage around a painful tooth are a sign of infection. Patients who experience swelling and drainage of gums should seek treatment as quickly as possible. Without treatment, the infected area can grow and threaten a patient's oral health and necessitate endodontic surgery.
Abnormal discoloration of a specific tooth root is one of the first signs of an infected or dying tooth. When a tooth is infected, its tissues turn dark brown and cause the tooth to appear more brown or yellow. Endodontic surgery is necessary to extract the darkened tooth tissue and helps restore the tooth's appearance.
“Without treatment, the infected area can grow and threaten a patient’s oral health and necessitate endodontic surgery.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the importance of endodontic surgery?
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
Q. What should I do about a dental abscess at the bottom of the tooth's root?
People Also Ask
Q. How common are root canals?
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Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
Dental Abscess at the Bottom of the Tooth’s Root
A dental abscess is an infection that contains pus and can often reside at the bottom of a tooth's root. Abscesses can be invisible when they are inside the tooth but are often detected when surgery is initiated. However, pain and tenderness in a tooth likely indicate the presence of an abscess. Treating the area through surgery removes the infection and the associated abscess.
Notice and Feel a Bump Near the Tooth
Aside from an abscess, other small bumps may form near the tooth somewhere on the gumline. Infection is often the primary cause of bumps on the gums. According to Healthline, these bumps can be a cyst, canker sore, fibroma, pyogenic granuloma, mandibular torus, or an oral cancer sore. Before undergoing endodontic surgery, we must first determine the type of bump or sore and its cause. In most cases, these bumps will dissipate with surgery. In more severe cases, as with oral cancer, the patient may need a different type of surgery.
“…bumps can be a cyst, canker sore, fibroma, pyogenic granuloma, mandibular torus, or an oral cancer sore.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the types of endodontic surgeries?
A. Endodontic surgeries include apicoectomies, calcium deposit removals, and root canal treatments. An apicoectomy is a surgery to remove an infection in the root that results after root canal treatment. Calcium deposit removal involves cleaning and clearing the area from calcium accumulation to get the area ready for a root canal. Root canal treatments are the most common type of endodontic surgery to remove the infected pulp from the inner canal.
Q. Does endodontic surgery hurt?
A. Advancements in dental technology and improvements in anesthesia have allowed endodontic surgeries to be pain-free. Patients may experience slight discomfort and tenderness following the procedure, but that should dissipate within the first few days. We will also prescribe antibiotics and pain relief medication to reduce swelling, inflammation, and discomfort.
Q. Can I drive after the surgery?
A. This largely depends on the type of surgery the patient undergoes. In root canal treatments, patients can typically drive themselves home as we administer only a local anesthetic. For more severe conditions in which we use general anesthesia, the patient must arrange transportation the day of the procedure. The patient will be notified of this during the consultation appointment.
Q. How much does endodontic surgery cost?
A. The cost of surgery depends on the type of treatment and severity of the condition. We encourage patients to speak with their insurance provider prior to receiving treatment to better understand what their plan entails and what their co-pays may be.
Q. How long will it take to resume normal activities after surgery?
A. Patients should be able to resume normal activities the following day. However, if they feel pain, dizziness, or fatigue, rest is highly recommended. In cases of worsening symptoms, we encourage patients to contact us as soon as possible to schedule a follow-up.
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Endodontic Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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