When do you refer to an endodontist?

Tooth fracture that extends to the inner tooth. Tooth that has been previously treated with root canal therapy. Patients who have toothache may complain to the general dentist. If x-rays and other tests don't reveal why the pain is persistent, the dentist can refer the patient to the endodontic professional.

This dentist can see problems that the general dentist overlooked. The endodontic dentist may prescribe medications or recommend other treatments. If your dentist has referred you to an endodontist, here are some of the most common reasons you may have done so. However, many patients are referred to an endodontist by their dentist, since the first professional most people plan to visit when they have toothache is their dentist.

Your dentist can refer you to an endodontist, an expert in saving teeth with two or more years of specialized training beyond dental school. Unlike in the medical field, where a referral from your doctor is often needed to see a specialist, in the field of dentistry there is no need to wait for a dentist to refer you to an endodontist. A dentist can perform an exam to find the source of pain in the patient's mouth and then refer the patient to an endodontist if needed to treat the pain. Because you don't need a referral to see an endodontist, you can choose the one that is closest to you, has the most convenient schedule, or thinks is the best fit for you.