An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on complex tooth problems that primarily affect tooth pulp. Tooth “pulp” is what dental providers call the nerves, blood vessels and other tissues deep inside each tooth. When you look in the mirror, the part of your teeth you see is an outer layer called enamel. Endodontists use advanced techniques to treat dental pulp and root issues. Your root is the part of your tooth that extends below your gums and holds your tooth in place. Endodontists focus on relieving tooth or mouth pain while saving your natural tooth whenever possible. Endodontists specialize in diagnosing and treating complex causes of tooth pain. They work to relieve the pain while preserving your natural tooth. Endodontists are skilled at saving teeth — even severely damaged or decayed teeth. Common reasons to see an endodontist
Endodontists primarily treat damaged tooth pulp or root tissues arising from the following causes:
Tooth decay: the breakdown of a tooth that results from poor teeth and gum care (oral hygiene). You may see an endodontist if an untreated cavity damages your tooth’s root tissues. Tooth decay can cause inflammation (pulpitis) or even death (necrosis) and infection in the pulp tissue. Tooth injuries: Trauma affecting your tooth (such as from a hard fall). Tooth abscess: A buildup of pus that forms when bacteria gets inside your tooth or gums. Cracked tooth: Damage to your tooth that allows an opening for bacteria to get inside. Endodontics procedures
Endodontists are sometimes called root canal dentists. While general dentists and endodontists both perform root canal treatment, endodontists perform this procedure much more often. The additional training and higher treatment volume mean that endodontists are the experts in doing root canals. Endodontists perform multiple procedures:
Root canal: Removes damaged or infected tooth pulp and reseals the tooth to prevent reinfection. Endodontic retreatment: Removes and replaces materials from a previous root canal that didn’t heal properly. Endodontic surgery: Specialized surgery, such as apicoectomy (removal of the end, or tip, of a tooth’s root). Emergency dental surgery: May involve repairing complex dental injuries or treating severe tooth infections. Tooth extraction (removal) surgery: Pulling a tooth because there’s too much tissue damage for a provider to save it. Dental implant surgery: Surgical placement of a dental implant. A provider can use the implant to support prosthetics, such as bridges, and to restore the look and function of your teeth after you have a tooth removed. All endodontists are also dentists, which means they may perform the same procedures common in general dentistry, including cleanings, whitenings, veneers, crowns and others.
