An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating and preserving natural teeth. When a tooth is infected, damaged, or unhealthy in some way, an endodontist provides the necessary treatment to restore the health of the tooth if possible.
What does this entail? What does an endodontist actually do? Here’s an overview of the role of the endodontist in the field of dentistry.
What is Endodontics?
Endodontics is the field of dentistry that focuses on the dental pulp, the soft tissue at the center of each tooth. The inner chamber of a tooth is called the root canal. It begins in the crown of the tooth and extends down into the root or roots of a tooth. The root canal contains dental pulp that is made up of blood vessels and nerves. The blood supply helps the tooth develop and thrive in the mouth.
Dental pulp is susceptible to infection. Bacteria can invade the root canal through a crack or cavity in a tooth and infect the dental pulp. An infected tooth will require treatment to eliminate the infection and restore the health of the tooth. An endodontist can provide the necessary treatment to save the tooth in many cases.
What Education Does an Endodontist Need?
An endodontist must complete the same education as a general dentist with additional training in endodontics afterwards. A dentist must earn an undergraduate degree and then earn a dental degree from an accredited dental school. To become an endodontist, a dentist must then complete 2-3 additional years of education and training in endodontics. Endodontics is a specialty within the field of dentistry.
Procedures Provided By Endodontists
The procedures typically provided by endodontists include, but are not limited to the following:
- Root canal. A root canal may be done to treat or prevent an infection in a tooth. A small hole is made in the crown of the tooth to access the root canal. The dental pulp is removed and the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A replacement material is used to fill the root canal to fortify the tooth and prevent infection. A crown is typically placed over the tooth following a root canal.
- Endodontic retreatment. If a tooth becomes reinfected after a root canal, it may need endodontic retreatment. This is essentially a repeat root canal, but extra care is taken to ensure that all of the dental pulp and infected tissue is removed.
- Apical surgery. In some cases a tooth becomes infected through the root. This requires apical surgery to remove the tip of the root and place a protective cap over it to prevent any further infection.
- Cracked tooth repair. A cracked tooth will need a root canal and a crown in most cases. This prevents infection and stops the crack from worsening.
Emerson Dental Provides Endodontics
Emerson Dental is a comprehensive dental practice providing specialty dental services in addition to our general services. We have an endodontist as part of our dental team to provide endodontic services when needed. You don’t need a referral to a specialist because we have all of the dental specialists you need on our team.
To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment at one of our 2 convenient locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontics
Why do I need an endodontist?
An endodontist specializes in restoring the health of the teeth and helping you keep your natural teeth in place for your lifetime. The level of expertise and advanced technology provided by an endodontist could save a tooth that may not otherwise be restored.
Is a root canal painful?
Local anesthesia is used during a root canal to prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort. In fact, a root canal can relieve or prevent pain caused by an infected tooth. Most patients feel better after a root canal, not worse.