If you’ve been referred to an endodontist, you’re probably curious about why you need to see a specialist instead of your regular dentist and you may be asking the question: What does an endodontist do? Endodontists are specialists dedicated to saving natural teeth. Let’s talk about what that means.
How is an Endodontist Different?
There are several ways an endodontist is different from a regular dentist. It’s important to see your regular dentist for a professional teeth cleaning, exam and if you have any cavities that need to be filled. An endodontist doesn’t do any of those things. That’s because an endodontist doesn’t treat the surface of your teeth, they are focused solely on the health of the innermost part of your teeth.
Endodontists are dentists who go to school for an extra 2 or 3 years, in addition to the normal 4 years required for general dentistry, specifically to study how to treat diseases that affect the pulp or root of the teeth as well as dental and facial pain that is difficult to diagnose. In fact, less than 3% of dentists are endodontists! When you ask “What does an Endodontist do?” you’ll find that an endodontist administers specialized care that may be able to save a decayed tooth. In fact Endodontists have the most training and highest expertise in saving teeth.
More Experience with Root Canals
If you’ve been told that you may need a root canal, it’s a great idea to schedule a consultation with an endodontist to talk about a plan for treatment. While regular dentists sometimes perform 2 or 3 root canals in a week, endodontists typically perform an average of 25 each week. Nothing can compensate for experience, so especially with a delicate procedure like a root canal that is crucially important to saving your tooth, it’s important to seek out a professional with ample experience.
Skilled in Pain Management
When having a root canal or other treatment performed involving the pulp or root of your tooth, pain management becomes very important. Endodontists specialize not only in root canals, but also in treating discomfort and minimizing it during procedures. If you’re still asking “What does an Endodontist do?” they may be able to help you have a more comfortable and relaxing visit.
The Latest Technology
Since endodontists have such a specialized focus, they typically invest in the latest technology and tools like 3D imaging and special dental microscopes that can see inside the root canal to help ensure your treatment achieves the best results possible. The size of the root canal of your tooth is miniscule, so it’s more important than ever to utilize the best technology and tools for imaging and treatment.
Call an Endodontist Today
If you are still asking “What does an Endodontist do?” They may be able to help with your dental health by using their specialized knowledge to care for the pulp of a tooth or may be able to help determine the source of undiagnosed dental or facial pain. Please feel free to call and make an appointment for a consultation. Your natural smile deserves to last a lifetime and you deserve the best in comfort, technology, and expertise for the care of your teeth.
Call our Lubbock Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.