What does an endodontist do? Endodontists are dentists too. But these professionals specialize in tooth pain, dental disease, and infections. They went through extensive training to enable them to diagnose the causes of tooth pain and perform root canal treatment. Although they can also perform the procedures done by general dentists, they are more capable of treating tooth pain than others. Tooth pain is usually due to severe dental issues. That is why choosing an expert surgeon for complex procedures either medical or dental, is very important. You wouldn’t want someone with a lack of knowledge and experience to perform a complicated surgical procedure on you, wouldn’t you?
What Do They Do?
An endodontist focuses on the inside of the tooth (tooth pulp). Primarily the reason why they are the best specialists for root canal treatments and other endodontic procedures. They are not only trusted in performing root canal treatment, but they are also the dental specialists for diagnosing and treating inflamed or infected teeth.
Endodontists have extra years of training to penetrate teeth, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. They are the specialists to visit for severe tooth decay, repeated dental work, and traumatic tooth injury.
A general dentist can perform root canals, but endodontists are more experienced in the root canal procedure. This procedure is done to pull out the nerve of the tooth as well as the tooth pulp that is damaged due to infection. If neglected, the tooth pulp could become decayed and inflamed, which leads to tooth loss.
Education and Training
Apart from education in general dentistry, endodontists spend two to three years of extra training beyond dental school. In addition, they are required to acquire a Master of Science in Dentistry. And while they are on endodontic education, their center of attention will be on diagnosing tooth pain and treatments.
They need to complete their education in endodontics by completing the following:
- four years of education in dental school
- spent two to three years in dental residency programs
- passing an exam to be certified by the American Board of Endodontics
Specialized Expertise
Specialists who limit their practice to endodontic treatment typically perform root canal treatments 25 times a week. In comparison, general dentists perform the procedure twice a week. However, endodontists don’t perform cleaning procedures and place dental fillings. Most of their time is spent diagnosing and treating tooth pain. They can diagnose and treat oral and facial pain that general dentists find challenging to do.
Pain Management
Technically, if you have a toothache, you must run to an endodontist to treat tooth pain. Your endodontist is trained to use special techniques to keep their patients comfortable. Before endodontists perform root canals, they will first administer numbing medications, which they are experts of.
The Use of Advanced Technology
Apart from additional training in dental school, endodontists are also trained to use materials and equipment in a state-of-the-art facility. Moreover, they use 3D imaging and digital radiographs to see images of tiny teeth. These tools also allow them to know the root canals and other infections. Furthermore, they use dental operating microscopes to perform root canal treatments efficiently.
Why Would You Need To See An Endodontist
If you have a general dentist that is not certain about the root cause of your tooth pain, chances are, they might ask you to see an endodontist. Frequently, below are the reasons why you would be sent to a specialist:
Sensitivity to hot and cold leading to tooth pain.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when an area inside the tooth gets exposed to sudden changes in temperature, such as hot and cold. But sometimes, this happens due to a crack in the tooth.
Bacterial infection.
A bacterial infection usually is the reason why you have tooth pain. When bacteria get inside the pulp through tiny holes and openings, inflammation might begin. This needs immediate treatment as it could result in tooth loss. Sadly, many patients disregard the symptoms while the inside of their tooth is starting to decay.
Tooth injury.
Tooth injury happens for a very lot of reasons. If your teeth got knocked up, they might end up getting cracked or injured. This can put you in a harrowing situation, so you will need to see an endodontist right away. The dentist can put the tooth back in the socket, keep it steady, and perform an endodontic procedure.
Fractured or chipped tooth.
For some reason, your tooth may get fractured and chipped. But don’t worry because an endodontist can perform root canals to clean the exposed pulp and remove bacteria.
During the procedure, you can expect your dentist to get local anesthetics before the treatment begins. The medication will numb the treatment area or your entire mouth, so you will not feel any pain during the root canal treatment. A dental dam will also be placed around your mouth, and the procedure will take place.
The top of the tooth will be removed to have access to the inside of the tooth. After this, the doctor will then start cleaning, reshaping, and enlarging the root canal. The doctor will also apply medication to prevent bacterial infection.
References:
What Is an Endodontist? (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-endodontist)
What’s the difference between a dentist and an endodontist? (https://www.aae.org/patients/why-see-an-endodontist/whats-difference-dentist-endodontist/)