Endodontists are dental specialists who are highly trained in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing root canal treatments. An endodontist has more experience and knowledge in performing root canals than a general dentist. Endodontists specialize in maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy, procedures that involve the internal tissues of the teeth, called pulp (or nerve). The average general dentist will only perform about two root canal treatments per week, while the average endodontist performs 25. This increased volume and additional training translates into an increased level of experience for endodontists in performing root canal treatment.
Endodontists don't place fillings or clean teeth, but instead spend their time diagnosing and treating tooth pain. If you know that you have a cracked tooth or a traumatic injury that broke a tooth, you can contact an endodontist directly for treatment. The endodontist will collect all the information you need and refer you to a general dentist if necessary. Ideally, your dentist and endodontist will work together to address problematic dental problems and preserve your long-term dental health.
Endodontists use specialized techniques to ensure that patients are completely comfortable during their treatments. They also employ superior technologies to make sure that the root canal treatment is successful in saving your natural teeth. Many patients feel better knowing that their endodontist has been trained to resolve serious dental problems. Endodontists can perform several procedures, such as root canal treatments and root canal retreatments, that can save a tooth that becomes reinfected after an initial root canal.
Seeing the right person, whether it's your dentist or endodontist, can ensure you get the right treatment and recover quickly. Your dentist wants you to receive the best treatment, so you often work with an endodontist you know and trust. The higher fees associated with an endodontist can provide you with a more knowledgeable dentist and effective treatment.
