When is an endodontic specialist recommended?

As different problems arise with the teeth, patients may need to seek care from certain dental specialists who have a narrower focus than a general dentist.

One category of such specialists is endodontists, who concentrate their efforts on problems involving the innermost structures of the teeth, including the pulp chamber that contains the tooth’s sensitive nerve center. Patients most often consult DFW endodontists for root canal therapy.

In addition to root canals, endodontists may also perform apicoectomies, in which an infected root’s tip is removed, or other types of endodontic surgery.

Endodontists have extensive education and experience in procedures involving the teeth’s inner components and root structures. They complete residencies after graduating from dental school and perform these procedures routinely, giving them the opportunity to develop expertise in doing so.

Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if you have signs or symptoms of an infected root, including a prolonged toothache or extreme sensitivity to temperatures, a discolored tooth and a recurring pimple on the gums.

Many patients may have anxiety about meeting with an endodontist in anticipation of a root canal, but rest assured that the procedure is not nearly as uncomfortable as it once was. In fact, many patients report no more discomfort with a root canal than they experience in having a cavity filled.

In performing a root canal, the endodontist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Many patients also opt for sedation as an additional comfort measure. The endodontist will then drill into the tooth for access to the infected pulp, which is removed. The empty chamber is then filled with a rubber-like substance. Most patients will also get a crown following a root canal for additional protection for the tooth.

If you do have any concerns about the procedure, bring them up to your endodontist during your initial consultation. This will allow the endodontist to educate you on the process so that you can better manage your fears.

A root canal can be essential for patients who want to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. In many cases, a tooth that undergoes a root canal will remain intact for decades, and preserving a natural tooth is the best course of action whenever possible.