What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist that focuses on the health of the nerves in your inner tooth, also known as your pulp. While all dentists are trained in endodontic therapy, in severe cases, a general dentist will refer you to an endodontic specialist. An endodontist goes through normal dental schooling and then two or more years of additional education. In this time, endodontists learn different root canal techniques and more.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
Diagnoses and Treats:
Due to how the tooth is constructed, it can sometimes be hard to locate exactly where the pain is coming from in the tooth. As a result of how complex the nerves are in the mouth, pain from one tooth can present in another tooth, your neck, head, or ear. An endodontist is trained to find this pain and design a treatment plan to relieve the discomfort.
Root Canal Treatment:
A root canal is a treatment designed to alleviate pain caused by your pulp. Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not painful, and are now similar to having a filling placed. Having a root canal done will usually require two appointments and will save your tooth!
Enodontic Retreatment:
If you have received a root canal, and take proper care of your teeth, your treatment can last your whole life. However, in certain cases, the tooth that received treatment will not heal properly, or become diseased, and cause pain. This pain could happen months or even years after your initial treatment. In these cases, an endodontist can re-treat the tooth to relieve discomfort and pain.
Endodontic Surgery:
If a simple root canal procedure cannot save your tooth, it may require endodontic surgery. There are several types of endodontic surgery that can be performed to save a tooth. The most common surgery is an apicoectomy, which is required if problems continue in the bony area around your tooth after a root canal procedure has been completed.
Dental Implants:
Saving your tooth should always be the first priority. However, there are cases where a tooth cannot be saved. Just like a periodontist or general dentist would do in these cases, an endodontist can place dental implants.
