When a patient experiences deep tooth pain, a general dentist might refer them to a specialist; your current provider may refer you, or you may search for an endodontist yourself. An endodontist specializes in preserving teeth by treating the interior tissues. They focus on the pulp and roots of teeth, and they can perform treatments that relieve facial pain. When looking for an endodontist in your area, knowing what services they provide can help you determine if the provider will fit your needs.
Defining the Endodontist Role
An endodontist completes two or more years of specialized education after dental school, and they focus primarily on diagnosing tooth pain. Because their scope is narrower than that of a general dentist, they perform routine and complex procedures. While all endodontists are dentists, less than three percent of dentists are endodontists.
Explaining Non-surgical Care
Most patients visit these specialists for root canal treatment. This procedure removes inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth. When the pulp becomes inflamed due to deep decay, the specialist cleans and shapes the root canals. They finish the procedure with a crown over the treated tooth to protect it and restore chewing function.
Sometimes, a tooth fails to heal after an initial procedure. Endodontic retreatment involves removing previous packing materials to clean the canals again. New decay can cause an infection, or curved canals might have gone untreated. Because the anatomy of a tooth is complex, issues might arise years later.
Tooth resorption occurs when the body rejects the tooth structure and begins to break it down. The endodontist repairs the damage, or they might recommend other options. Since this condition often starts without symptoms, regular exams help detect it.
Common endodontic services include:
- Root canal treatment
- Endodontic retreatment
- Treatment for traumatic injuries
- Surgery for cracked teeth
Reviewing Surgical Services
Surgery is sometimes necessary to save a tooth. An apicoectomy, or root-end resection, removes the very tip of the root. Although non-surgical treatments work for many, surgery helps when infection persists in the bone.
The doctor opens the gum tissue, and they remove the inflamed tissue. They place a small filling at the end of the root, and stitches help the gum heal. Because the bone heals around the root end, the tooth remains stable.
Intentional replantation involves extracting a tooth to treat it outside the mouth. After the procedure is complete, the specialist places the tooth back into the socket. Because the tooth is out of the mouth for a short time, the survival rate is high. While this sounds intense, it saves teeth that strictly non-surgical procedures cannot help.
Handling Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen unexpectedly. Endodontists treat traumatic dental injuries like knocked-out teeth. Since time affects the outcome, immediate action saves the tooth. The specialist stabilizes the tooth, and they monitor its healing process. While chipped teeth are common, a dislodged tooth requires urgent care.
Cracked teeth also require specialized care. A crack can extend into the root, and it causes pain during chewing. Because the crack is often invisible to the naked eye, the specialist uses a microscope. They determine the depth of the crack, and they plan the appropriate treatment.
Learn More About Endodontics
Endodontists may save natural teeth through advanced procedures. They perform surgeries and root canals, and they help patients maintain their smiles. Because they have extra training, they handle complex cases efficiently. If you want to learn more about what endodontic treatments are available in your area, consult an endodontist near you.
