105 E. 10th Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854
208-773-8388 
Persistent tooth pain, lingering sensitivity or swelling may indicate a problem with the nerves or tissues inside a tooth. Endodontics in Post Falls, Idaho, focuses on diagnosing and treating these conditions to relieve discomfort, address infection and help preserve natural teeth whenever possible.
At 7 Day Dental Smiles, our dentists evaluate tooth pain, dental pulp inflammation and infections affecting the inside of teeth. Whether you have unexplained sensitivity, a damaged tooth or symptoms of an infection, our team can determine whether endodontic treatment or another type of dental care is appropriate.
Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles or call 208-773-8388 to schedule an endodontic evaluation and learn more about your treatment options.
Our Endodontic Services
Our endodontic services focus on evaluating and treating problems affecting the dental pulp and tissues surrounding tooth roots. The goal is to identify the source of discomfort, address infection when present and preserve the natural tooth when treatment is appropriate.
What Is Endodontics?
Endodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the dental pulp, root canals and tissues surrounding tooth roots. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that help a tooth develop.
When the pulp becomes inflamed, infected or damaged, it may cause pain, sensitivity or swelling. These problems can develop from deep decay, cracks, injuries or other dental conditions.
Endodontic treatment focuses on addressing problems inside the tooth while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
One of the most common endodontic procedures is root canal therapy, which removes infected or damaged pulp tissue and seals the canals inside the tooth.
When Should Consider Endodontics?
Tooth pain can have several causes, and not every toothache requires endodontic treatment. However, ongoing discomfort or certain symptoms may suggest inflammation, infection or damage involving the dental pulp.
Signs that you may need an endodontic evaluation include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling or tenderness around a tooth
- A recurring bump or sore on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- A cracked, fractured or deeply decayed tooth
- Facial or jaw swelling associated with a dental problem
Some teeth with damaged or infected pulp cause few noticeable symptoms. Regular dental exams and appropriate X-rays can help identify problems before they become more serious.
If you experience persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, our dentists can examine the affected area and determine whether endodontic care is needed.
Diagnosing Tooth Pain and Dental Pulp Problems
Identifying the source of tooth pain is an important part of endodontic care. Symptoms such as lingering sensitivity, discomfort when biting or swelling may involve the pulp, but they can also result from other dental conditions.
During an evaluation, our dentists may use:
- A visual examination of the affected tooth and surrounding gums
- Digital X-rays to assess tooth roots and nearby bone
- Temperature testing to evaluate the tooth’s response
- Gentle pressure or percussion testing when appropriate
- An examination for cracks, fractures or deep decay
- An assessment of existing fillings and restorations
- A review of your symptoms and dental history
These findings help determine whether the discomfort originates inside the tooth and whether endodontic treatment, restorative care or another approach is appropriate.
What Causes Dental Pulp Inflammation or Infection?
The dental pulp can become inflamed or infected when bacteria reach the inner tissues or when an injury damages the tooth.
Common causes include:
- Deep tooth decay: Cavities that extend toward the pulp can cause inflammation or allow bacteria to enter the tooth.
- Cracked or fractured teeth: Damage may expose internal tissues or create pathways for bacteria.
- Repeated dental treatment: Multiple procedures involving the same tooth can sometimes contribute to pulp irritation.
- Loose or damaged restorations: Openings around fillings or crowns may allow bacteria to reach vulnerable tooth structure.
- Dental trauma: An injury can damage the pulp even when the tooth does not appear visibly broken.
Inflammation does not always mean a tooth is infected, and the appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis.
When the pulp becomes infected, professional treatment is generally necessary. Symptoms may temporarily decrease even when the underlying infection remains.
Endodontic Treatment for an Infected Tooth
When bacteria infect the dental pulp, treatment may be needed to remove the affected tissue and prevent the infection from progressing.
Signs of a possible dental infection may include persistent pain, tenderness when biting, swelling or a recurring bump on the gums.
Our dentists will examine the tooth and evaluate whether it can be preserved through endodontic treatment.
If the tooth is restorable, root canal treatment may be recommended. The procedure removes infected pulp, cleans the root canals and seals the space to help prevent reinfection.
If extensive damage makes the tooth impossible to restore predictably, another treatment may be necessary.
Root Canal Therapy and Endodontics
Root canal therapy is one of the primary treatments used in endodontics. It is recommended when the pulp inside a tooth is irreversibly inflamed, infected or otherwise damaged. During treatment, the affected pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned and shaped, and the internal spaces are filled and sealed. The goal is to eliminate the source of the problem while preserving the natural tooth whenever possible.
After treatment, the tooth may require a dental crown or another restoration to protect the remaining structure and restore normal chewing function. For a detailed explanation of the procedure, symptoms, healing and aftercare, visit our root canal treatment page.
Emergency Endodontic Care for Tooth Pain and Infection
Severe tooth pain, swelling or symptoms of an infection may require prompt dental evaluation. Endodontic treatment may be appropriate when the problem involves inflammation or infection inside a tooth.
Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles promptly if you experience:
- Severe or worsening tooth pain
- Swelling around a tooth or along the gums
- Significant discomfort when biting
- A painful bump or drainage near a tooth
- A broken tooth accompanied by pain or sensitivity
- Persistent pain that interferes with eating or sleeping
Our dentists can evaluate the condition and determine whether endodontic treatment, restorative dentistry or emergency dental care is needed.
If you experience severe facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or difficulty swallowing, seek immediate medical attention.
Do I Need an Endodontist or a General Dentist?
An endodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training focused on diagnosing and treating conditions involving the dental pulp and tissues surrounding tooth roots.
However, not every patient requiring endodontic treatment needs to see a specialist. General dentists may perform many root canal procedures and evaluate conditions affecting the inside of teeth.
At 7 Day Dental Smiles, our dentists will examine your tooth and determine whether treatment can be completed in our office or whether referral to an endodontist would be appropriate.
A specialist referral may be considered for:
- Complex root canal anatomy
- Retreatment of a previously treated tooth
- Calcified or difficult-to-access root canals
- Certain complicated infections
- Cases requiring specialized techniques or equipment
- Other complex conditions involving tooth roots
If a referral is recommended, our team will explain the reason and help you understand the next step.
Can Endodontics Save a Natural Tooth?
Preserving natural teeth is an important goal of endodontic care. When an infected or damaged tooth can be successfully treated and restored, keeping it may offer several benefits.
- Maintaining your natural bite and tooth alignment
- Supporting comfortable chewing
- Reducing unwanted movement of nearby teeth
- Preserving the appearance of your smile
- Avoiding or delaying the need for tooth replacement
- Maintaining natural tooth function
Whether a tooth can be saved depends on the extent of damage, the condition of its roots and the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining.
When a tooth cannot be predictably restored, our dentists may recommend a tooth extraction.
What Happens After Endodontic Treatment?
Following endodontic treatment, some tenderness may occur as the surrounding tissues heal. The amount of discomfort and recovery time depend on the condition of the tooth and the procedure performed.
Our team will provide aftercare instructions that may include:
- Avoiding chewing on the affected tooth until it is appropriately restored
- Maintaining careful daily oral hygiene
- Taking medications only as directed
- Following recommendations for temporary or permanent restorations
- Attending necessary follow-up appointments
- Contacting our office if pain, swelling or other symptoms worsen
Proper follow-up care helps protect the treated tooth and allows our team to monitor healing.
Restoring Your Tooth After Endodontics
After treatment, the tooth often requires a final restoration to protect the remaining structure and restore normal function. Depending on the tooth and the extent of damage, our dentists may recommend a dental crown, tooth-colored filling or another restorative option. Back teeth often require additional protection because they withstand considerable chewing pressure.
Completing the recommended restoration is an important part of preserving the treated tooth and reducing the risk of further damage.
Comfort During Endodontic Treatment
Modern endodontic techniques and local anesthesia help make treatment more comfortable than many patients expect. Our dentists use local anesthetic when appropriate to numb the treatment area and will explain what to expect before beginning the procedure. Patients who experience dental anxiety may also ask whether sedation dentistry is appropriate for their treatment. Our team will answer your questions and discuss available comfort options based on your needs.
How Much Does Endodontic Treatment Cost?
The cost of endodontic care depends on the condition being treated, the affected tooth and the complexity of the recommended procedure.
Factors that may influence treatment costs include:
- The type of endodontic procedure needed
- Whether a front tooth, premolar or molar requires treatment
- The complexity of the tooth’s root canal anatomy
- Whether the tooth has received previous treatment
- The extent of infection or damage
- Whether a dental crown or another restoration is necessary
After examining the affected tooth, our team can explain the recommended treatment and associated costs.
Visit our financial options page for information about available payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontics
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is the area of dentistry focused on diagnosing and treating conditions involving the dental pulp, root canals and tissues around tooth roots. Root canal therapy is one of the most common endodontic procedures.
Do you provide endodontics in Post Falls?
Yes. 7 Day Dental Smiles provides endodontic evaluations and treatment in Post Falls, Idaho. Our dentists can evaluate tooth pain, infection or damage and determine whether treatment in our office or referral to a specialist is appropriate.
Does tooth pain mean I need endodontic treatment?
Not always. Tooth pain may be caused by decay, cracks, gum problems or other dental conditions. Persistent pain, lingering sensitivity or discomfort when biting may indicate a problem inside the tooth. An examination is needed to determine the cause.
How do I know if I have an infected tooth?
Possible signs include persistent tooth pain, swelling, pain when chewing, lingering temperature sensitivity or a recurring bump on the gums. Some infected teeth produce few symptoms, so professional evaluation is important.
What is the difference between endodontics and root canal therapy?
Endodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with diagnosing and treating problems involving the dental pulp and tissues around tooth roots. Root canal therapy is a specific endodontic procedure used to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth.
Can you provide emergency endodontic treatment?
Our team can evaluate severe tooth pain and symptoms of infection to determine whether urgent endodontic care is appropriate. Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles promptly if you are experiencing significant discomfort or swelling.
What is the difference between an endodontist and a general dentist?
An endodontist has additional specialty training in diagnosing and treating problems affecting the inside of teeth. General dentists may also provide root canal treatment and other endodontic care. Our dentists will determine whether your case can be treated in our office or requires referral.
Can an infected tooth heal on its own?
An infection inside a tooth generally requires professional treatment. Symptoms may temporarily improve, but the underlying infection can remain and may worsen without appropriate care.
Can endodontics save an infected tooth?
Endodontic treatment may help preserve an infected or damaged tooth by removing affected tissue and treating the inside of the tooth. Whether the tooth can be saved depends on the extent of damage and its remaining support.
Will I need a crown after endodontic treatment?
Many teeth require a final restoration after endodontic treatment. Depending on the tooth’s location and remaining structure, our dentists may recommend a dental crown, filling or another restoration.
Is endodontic treatment painful?
Local anesthesia is used when appropriate to help keep patients comfortable during treatment. Some tenderness may occur afterward as the surrounding tissues heal. Our team will explain what to expect and provide aftercare instructions.
Schedule an Endodontic Evaluation
If you have persistent tooth pain, lingering sensitivity or signs of a dental infection, endodontic care in Post Falls, Idaho, may help identify the problem and determine whether your natural tooth can be preserved.
Our dentists can evaluate your symptoms, explain the available treatment options and recommend the appropriate next step.
Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles or call 208-773-8388 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Rheanna Burnham, Dr. Scott Lake, Dr. Wade Dinse, Dr. Stephen Gloudeman or Dr. Nora Svihl.
