What Is An Endodontist?

THE FIELD OF DENTISTRY is a little more complex than it might seem on the surface. We all know about general dentists, and a lot of people have gotten braces from an orthodontist or taken their kids to see a pediatric dentist, but what are endodontists, and when do we need their expertise?

The Field Of Endodontics

An endodontist works in a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp inside the tooth. Endodontists also examine the gums and other related tissues that impact the health and performance of the teeth.

Endodontists Versus Dentists

To become a dentist, you have to get a bachelor’s degree, take the Dental Admission Test, get a doctoral degree in either Dental Surgery (DDS) or Dental Medicine (DMD), and become licensed to practice. To become an endodontist, you have to do all of that, and then you also have to complete years of endodontic specialty training through residency and become certified.

Common Treatments By An Endodontist

A few of the treatments provided by an endodontist include:

• Examining, diagnosing, and keeping track of diseases in the gums or dental roots
• Probing the gingival pockets around the teeth to diagnose, treat, and prevent gingivitis and other gum diseases
• Removing and replacing infected dental pulp and tissues
• Performing root canal therapy

Experts At Working In Tiny Spaces

Did you know that the canal inside a tooth’s root is smaller than President Roosevelt’s ear on a dime? Endodontists are able to work inside this tiny space to save your tooth. They use special equipment like dental operating microscopes and 3D imaging, in addition to steady hands and all those years of education and training.

Let Us Save Your Tooth

When it comes to saving a tooth, there’s no one better to see than an endodontist. Even the best false teeth and most expensive dental implants can’t match our natural teeth for being effective at what teeth do, so if you have a problem tooth, schedule an appointment with us right away!

A healthy smile starts at the roots!

Top image by Flickr user Alan Levine used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.