Endodontist and endodontics
Your endodontic care is in skilled hands. Discover the expertise and precision that an endodontist brings to your dental health, at Aspen Dental.
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental professional who specializes in treating issues related to the dental pulp and the roots of teeth. Endodontists undergo additional years of training beyond dental school to acquire the skills and expertise necessary for performing complex root canal treatments, managing dental trauma, and addressing various pulp-related conditions.
Importance of endodontic treatment
Endodontic treatment is essential for preserving natural teeth and limiting the need for tooth extraction. By removing infected or inflamed pulp, an endodontist can help relieve pain, save teeth from further damage and help restore overall oral health.
Primary procedures performed by endodontists
When to see an endodontist
You’ll know when it’s time to see an endodontist when your dentist refers you. Your dentist will be able to diagnose certain dental issues that would require the expertise of an endodontist. Some of thes dental issues requiring endodontic therapy could be:
Endodontic therapy procedure
Once you’ve been referred by a dentist, your endodontic treatment can often be performed in one or two visits with an endodontist and involves the following steps:
Benefits of endodontic treatment
Techniques in endodontics
This field of dentistry has had many advancements in technology which have made procedures better for patients, such as:
Advanced diagnostic techniques
3D imaging
Endodontists use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for detailed, three-dimensional views of tooth structures and surrounding bone.
Microscopes
Powerful dental microscopes allow for enhanced visualization of tiny root structures and fractures.
Pulp vitality tests
Specialized tools help determine if the tooth pulp is healthy or damaged.
Precise identification of pain sources
Type of pain
Endodontists can differentiate between referred pain and direct tooth pain.
Location of pain
They can pinpoint which tooth is causing discomfort in cases where pain seems to come from multiple teeth.
Trauma assessment
Evaluation
Quick and accurate evaluation of dental injuries from accidents or sports.
Assessing the damage
Ability to determine the extent of damage to teeth, roots, and surrounding tissues.
Treatment planning
Creating a plan
Based on their diagnosis, endodontists can create tailored treatment plans to address specific issues.
Advanced therapies
They can often save teeth that might otherwise be considered for extraction.
Myths vs fact: Endodontics
There are several myths surrounding endodontic treatment, such as associating root canals with pain or discomfort. In reality, advancements in anesthesia and techniques have made root canals relatively comfortable procedures. Here are some common myths and facts:
Myth: Root canals are extremely painful
Fact:
Modern techniques and anesthesia can make root canals no more painful than getting a filling.
Myth: Root canals cause illness
Fact:
There is no valid or scientific evidence linking root canals to other illnesses. They are a safe and effective treatment.
Myth: Extraction is better than a root canal
Fact:
Saving your natural tooth through a root canal is often the best option for maintaining oral health and function.
Endodontist FAQs
Is endodontic treatment painful?
Endodontic treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but most treatments can be completed in one or two appointments and typically 60-120 minutes per visit.
Can endodontic therapy save a severely damaged tooth?
In many cases, endodontic therapy can save a severely damaged tooth by removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent reinfection.
Do I need a referral to see an endodontist?
A referral from your dentist is required at Aspen Dental to see an endodontist, whether that's directly from an external dentist or a new patient exam at Aspen Dental.
What are the signs that indicate the need for endodontic treatment?
Symptoms such as severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth, and discoloration may indicate the need for endodontic therapy.
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