Endodontists are dental specialists who are highly trained in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing root canal treatments. They diagnose and treat complex causes of dental pain, such as a tooth abscess (infection). Endodontists work to save your natural tooth by performing root canal treatments and other procedures to relieve pain. Endodontists and general dentists provide dental care but do different things.
While a dentist does several things, such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and placing sealants, endodontists specialize in one thing: treating tooth pain. Endodontists are indispensable for performing root canals and installing dental implants. The endodontist will send a copy of your x-rays and a record of your treatment to your restorative dentist, if applicable. 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 goal is to save your natural teeth whenever possible, however, an endodontist will discuss all treatment options to determine the best course of action for your individual case. By focusing their expertise on the inside of the tooth, endodontists tend to have more experience with root canal treatments than dentists. Endodontists are dentists who seek additional training and experience after finishing dental school. They complete two or more additional years of training beyond dental school to become specialists in treating tooth pain.
Inflammation or bacterial infection of the pulp is the most common reason people see an endodontist. While most people think you need a referral to see a specialist, you can see an endodontist right away in some circumstances. Endodontists have the experience and a higher level of training in root canal treatments, so they may charge more than a general dentist to perform a procedure. Your dentist can refer you to an endodontist, an expert in saving teeth with two or more years of specialized training beyond dental school.
Many patients feel better knowing that their endodontist has been trained to resolve serious dental problems. An endodontist does not practice general dentistry, but rather spends most of his time performing root canals, specifically those related to narrow canals or anatomically atypical cases. Endodontists are dental specialists who have completed a minimum of 10 years of college education, including an additional two years of advanced endodontic training and education beyond the 4-year dental school.
