If you visit your general dentist with tooth pain or a history of tooth root pain, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. Although many general dentists perform root canal treatments, in many cases they prefer to refer treatment to a specialist for root canal care.
What is an endodontist?
All endodontists are dentists, but a very small percentage of dentists are endodontists. These specialists receive an additional two to three years of training beyond dental school. They mainly study the inside of the tooth focusing on dental pain and root canals.
Types of endodontic solutions
An endo specialist provides a dental treatment that addresses the inside of the tooth.
Root channel treatments
If you have a toothache, this often means you have a tooth root infection. An endodontist cleanses the root canal infection, then fills the root of the tooth and seals it. Because this procedure removes living tissue from the tooth root, the remaining tooth structure can become brittle. A dental crown will strengthen the tooth and allow you to comfortably chew again.
Retreatment
Repeat treatment may be necessary after a root canal if the infection recurs after the initial treatment. Perhaps the anatomy of the canal is particularly complex and bacteria were left behind in the area. If the dental crown placement was delayed after root canal treatment, this can also make the tooth root vulnerable to salivary contamination. In most cases, however, endodontic treatment, such as root canals, has a very high success rate.
Apicoectomy
If you have a root canal but your tooth cannot be successfully treated, your endodontist may recommend an apicoectomy. This surgical procedure removes and seals the tip of the tooth root. This option can remove the remaining infection and can prevent the tooth from being extracted.
Broken teeth
Cracked teeth can occur if you chew hard food, non-food items, or grind your teeth. You can also develop cracked teeth as part of the aging process. Cracked teeth are one of the main causes of tooth loss. Although many people feel pain with a broken tooth, this is not always the case. Regular dental exams can help identify cracked teeth in their earliest stages, allowing repairs to be performed by an endo specialist with adhesives, crowns, or a root canal.
Dental emergency
If you experience severe dental pain or have oral bleeding that won’t stop, this is considered a dental emergency. When a tooth has fallen out (avulsed), you should seek immediate treatment from an endo specialist to try and save your tooth. If you suspect that your jaw has been broken, you should contact 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
