What is an endodontist called?

Endodontists are sometimes referred to as root canal dentists. While general dentists and endodontists can perform root canal treatment, endodontists perform this procedure much more often. This increased volume and additional training translates into an increased level of experience for endodontists in performing root canal treatment. Endodontists treat problems that affect the inside of the tooth, an area known as “dental pulp.” It has blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

You can become inflamed or infected due to deep tooth decay, traumatic injury to a tooth, and repeated dental work on a tooth. When that happens, an endodontist is the specialist to consult. An endodontist has more experience and expertise in performing root canals than a dentist. While a dentist can perform twice a week, endodontists usually do a couple of dozen.

This means that endodontists tend to be better than general dentists at performing root canals. You will return to the endodontist at a later date to have your temporary crown or filling removed and a permanent one placed. Like endodontists, they practice a certain area of dental care and can receive referrals from general dentists. Your dentist may want an endodontist to examine an anterior root canal that has been performed, followed by any additional dentistry, such as a dental crown on the top.

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. 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. Inflammation or bacterial infection of the pulp is the most common reason people see an endodontist. Like a doctor in any other field, endodontists are specialists because they have completed two or more additional years of training beyond dental school.

Many patients feel better knowing that their endodontist has been trained to resolve serious dental problems. The most common procedure performed by endodontists is root canal treatment, a procedure in which they remove the nerve from the tooth and dental pulp that has been damaged or infected. If the tooth breaks out of its cavity or falls out completely, an endodontist can place the tooth back in the socket, stabilize it, and often perform root canal treatment on it. 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.

Endodontists are dentists who seek additional training and experience after finishing dental school. Endodontists have materials and equipment designed to make your treatment more comfortable and successful. For example, your endodontist may focus on saving your tooth while a general dentist cares about your brushing and flossing habits. Discover how endodontists' advanced training, specialized techniques and superior technologies make them the best choice for root canal treatment to save your natural teeth.

Your dentist wants you to receive the best treatment, so you often work with an endodontist you know and trust.