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

Root canal therapy

The most common procedure performed by an endodontist is the root canal procedure. It involves removing infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canal system, then filling and sealing it to lessen future infection.

Learn more about root canal >

Endodontic retreatment

Sometimes, a tooth that has undergone a root canal may not heal properly or may develop new problems. Endodontic retreatment involves reopening the tooth to address these issues and save the tooth.

Apicoectomy

Also known as root-end resection, in this surgical procedure, the endodontist opens the gum tissue near the tooth’s root to expose the underlying bone and remove any inflamed or infected tissue. An apicoectomy is performed when conventional root canal therapy isn't sufficient to save the tooth.

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 these dental issues requiring endodontic therapy could be:

Severe tooth decay

Decay reaching the tooth pulp, causing damage and infection.

Traumatic dental injuries

Accidents or injuries that damage the tooth pulp.

Infection in the dental pulp

Bacterial infections causing pain and swelling.

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:

Examination and anesthesia

The endodontist examines the tooth and takes radiographs using X-rays. Local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth. After the tooth is numb, a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” is placed over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.

Access and cleaning

An opening is made in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals, shaping the space for filling.

Filling the root canals

Once the space is cleaned and shaped, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. A temporary filling is typically placed to close the opening.

Restoration preparation

After the final visit with the endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

Benefits of endodontic treatment

Expertise in complex cases

Their specialized training equips them to handle cases involving multiple roots or anatomical variations. This expertise is crucial for saving teeth that might otherwise be lost.

Increased success rates

The advanced skills and techniques employed by an endodontist can significantly enhance the success rate of endodontic procedures. This means you have a better chance of maintaining your natural teeth and avoiding the need for more invasive treatments.

Advanced technology

Endodontists often use state-of-the-art technology to ensure precise and efficient treatments. This advanced equipment can lead to quicker recovery times and more comfortable procedures.

Tooth preservation

One of the primary benefits of seeking treatment from an endodontist is the preservation of your natural teeth. By addressing issues at the root level, endodontists help maintain the integrity and function of your teeth, which is essential for your overall oral health and well-being.

Improved quality of life

Preserving your natural teeth can significantly improve your quality of life. It allows you to maintain normal chewing and speaking functions, and it can lessen the shifting of surrounding teeth, which often occurs when teeth are extracted.

Techniques in endodontics

This field of dentistry has had many advancements in technology which have made procedures better for patients, such as:

Digital imaging

Provides detailed images of the tooth’s structure for accurate diagnosis.

Rotary instruments

Enhance the efficiency and precision of cleaning and shaping root canals.

Operating microscopes

Allow endodontists to see the intricate details of the tooth’s interior, improving treatment outcomes.

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

Quick and accurate evaluation of dental injuries from accidents or sports.

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 endontic 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 endontic 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 endontist?

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 endontic treatment?

Symptoms such as severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth, and discoloration may indicate the need for endodontic therapy.