During a routine visit or in an urgent call to your dentist, you may reveal a hurt tooth. If the dentist has seen signs of tooth decay, they may conclude that you need endodontic treatment. In most cases, your dentist will refer you to an endodontist for more particular treatment. Below, we explore what is an endodontist. In answering this question, we’ll explain what is endodontics in dentistry, the qualifications to become an endodontist, and the knowledge and treatments employed by endodontists.
What Is Endodontics in Dentistry?
Endodontics represents a branch of dentistry that involves the inside of the tooth, specifically the pulp and root. As the softest part of the tooth, the pulp supplies blood that nourishes the tooth and the nerves that afford feeling. Within the pulp also lie tissues that connect the tooth to the socket, or base, to help hold the tooth in place. Nerves that get nutrients from the pulp detect hot or cold temperature sensations as pain.
The root functions as the anchor for the tooth. Lying just below the surface, the root occupies roughly two-thirds of the tooth structure. It extends deep into the socket. Poor dental practices, such as lack of brushing, flossing, and cleaning visits, or trauma can facilitate tooth decay. This phenomenon creates openings for bacteria to intrude into the root and pulp and threaten the life source of a tooth. When that happens, the patient turns to an endodontist.
What Is an Endodontist?
As you’ll read more fully below, an endodontist treats problems involving the interior of the tooth.
As specialists, endodontists receive education and training beyond that of general practice dentists. Entry into the endodontics field requires a bachelor’s degree and then four years of dental school. Beyond that, aspiring endodontists take an additional two to three years of post-graduate training in the specialty. This happens in a residency program. At the end of that training stands an examination by the American Board of Endodontists and licensure as an endodontist.
The nature of what is an endodontist and the treatments they provide, which we’ll profile more fully below, requires coordination, dexterity, and attention to detail. Many patients present with pain and need urgent or emergency care that requires endodontists to see them promptly or perform emergency or short-notice procedures.
What Does an Endodontist Specialize in?
As the name suggests, the endodontist specializes in disorders involving or arising from infection of the pulp, tooth nerves, and root. Pain in the mouth and jaw often signal the types of problems which command the attention of the endodontist. Further, the specialist treats conditions such as a dead tooth, in which the nerves of the tooth lose feeling, or die. This arises usually from a cavity that, when not filled, becomes a breeding place for infection that damages the nerves.
As specialists, endodontists do not clean teeth, fill cavities, or perform other tooth maintenance. These tasks belong to general practice dentists.
What Does An Endodontist Do?
The root canal procedure occupies the focal point of the endodontist’s practice. A general practice dentist can perform root canals, but most average two procedures a week. The endodontist performs typically 25 on a weekly basis.
In a root canal, the endodontist drills a hole in the tooth or teeth which may become infected and decayed. This opening serves as a pathway to flush bacteria and particles such as food from the opening. Once the endodontist cleans the area, the patient then receives a temporary cover to keep out bacteria. A few days later, the endodontist completes the procedure by applying a permanent seal.
In the root canal procedure, the endodontist applies numbing agents. Numbing may be used in a limited manner to counteract any discomfort more than pain, if the patient already has a dead tooth.
Before proceeding with the root canal, the endodontist must diagnose the source or cause of the problems. In this part of the job, the specialist examines the patient, gathers information on the symptoms, and takes and analyzes x-rays or images. These are preparatory steps to the initial root canal. The treatments do not end with the initial procedure.
What If the Root Canal Doesn’t Fix the Problem?
Depending on the success of the original root canal, the endodontist may have to undertake additional measures:
- Retreatment: This involves disassembling the crown, post, and other materials used to restore the teeth applied in the first root canal. Afterward, the canals are cleaned and restorative materials are reapplied.
- Apical surgery: This represents a last-resort effort to save the tooth from extraction if the conventional root canal does not work. The endodontist resects the root-end to reach the bacteria that persist after a root canal.
When Should You See an Endodontist?
You may need the services of an endodontist if you experience these symptoms:
- Severe pain triggered from chewing or other force exerted on teeth
- Teeth continue to feel hot or cold temperatures after removal of the source of heat or cold
- Teeth turn gray, yellow, or black
- Foul smell or taste, likely the result of pus
- Gums become swollen or tender
- Pimples on gums persist or frequently appear
These may signal the onset or existence of conditions such as dead tooth, infection, or tooth decay. An endodontist can evaluate you and identify the source of the pain.
Conclusion
Specialization captures the essence of what is an endodontist. These professionals focus their efforts on treating the causes and symptoms of conditions that affect the pulp, root, and nerves in your teeth. Your visit to an endodontist will often involve a root canal and, if necessary, an additional root canal or other surgeries to save your teeth. Share with us your experience with an endodontist and how he or she helped you with your dental problems.
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