Endodontists are dentists who specialize in saving teeth through root canal therapy. This procedure involves the soft inner tissue within the tooth, called the dental pulp. Endodontists are specialists in treating and diagnosing the more complicated cases, relieving oral pain and treating traumatic injuries to the teeth.

What does an Endodontist do?

• Saves teeth. Root canal therapy is performed to save a tooth when the inner tissue or the pulp becomes infected or damaged. Treatment consists of opening the tooth, removing the inner tissue, cleaning, sterilizing, filling and sealing the root canals.
• Retreatment of root canals. This is indicated when the original root canal appears inadequate, or if microorganisms from the oral environment have contaminated the root canal.
• Performs surgery. Sometimes root canal therapy and retreatment is unsuccessful. The endodontist may need to perform an in-office surgical procedure called an apicoectomy. This involves cutting off the end of the root, cleaning around the end of the root and sealing it with a root end filling material.
• Treats traumatic injuries. Nerve or pulp damage is sometimes caused by a blow to the mouth, and the endodontist specializes in treating these injuries. Traumatic injuries to the teeth and supporting structures can occur at any age. An endodontist is also specially trained in procedures for replanting teeth that have been knocked out of their sockets.
• Diagnoses and treats pain. Oral pain often is difficult to pinpoint. The pain of a damaged or diseased tooth can often be felt in another tooth. Pain can radiate along another pathway, involving the ear for example. An endodontist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating this type of pain.
• Bleaches discolored teeth . Discolored teeth can happen from a blow to the mouth resulting in damaged pulp tissue. Staining of the tooth is caused by the breakdown of blood cells. These teeth can sometimes be restored to a near-natural color.

What qualifications does an Endodontist have?

• An Endodontist is a dentist who has two to three years of post-graduate training after completing dental school and has limited their practice to root canal procedures only. An Endodontist can be certified by the American Board of Endodontics after passing a series of examinations.

What is the Endodontist's relationship with the general dentist?

• The Endodontist is an important member of the dental care team. Most endodontic patients are referred by general dentists. Some general dentists refer complicated and emergency cases to an endodontist. The patient returns to the general dentist for final restoration of the tooth.