Most people are familiar with the role of a general dentist. However, there are various dental specialists who focus on specific areas of oral health. An endodontist is one of these dental specialists. Let’s explore what an endodontist does, how they’re different from a general dentist, the procedures they perform, and when you might need to see an endodontist.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
The word “endodontics” comes from the Greek words endo, which means inside, and odont, which means tooth. This is a fitting name, as an endodontist is concerned with the tissues inside the tooth. Let’s take a closer look at what an endodontist is and what they do.
Focus on the Interior of the Tooth
An endodontist is a dental specialist focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the dental pulp and the surrounding tissues. The dental pulp is the innermost part of the tooth, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The dental pulp is what keeps the tooth alive and healthy. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, an endodontist steps in to save the tooth.
Expertise in Root Canals
Endodontists most often perform root canal treatments. When the dental pulp inside a tooth is damaged by tooth decay or injury, a root canal can restore the tooth. This procedure involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it.
Endodontists undergo additional education after dental school to become experts in the living structures of the teeth. Through this education, they master complex root canal procedures and other treatments related to the interior of the tooth.
Endodontist vs Dentist
There are many different specialists who work with different aspects of the mouth and teeth. Two that you’re likely to hear about are dentists and endodontists. What are the differences between these two professionals? Let’s explore.
Advanced Training and Education
While all endodontists are dentists, not all dentists are endodontists. After completing dental school, endodontists undergo an additional two to three years of specialized training. This advanced education focuses on the techniques, technologies, and procedures necessary to treat the dental pulp and surrounding tissues effectively.
Specialized Equipment and Techniques
Endodontists use advanced technology and specialized equipment to perform their procedures. For example, they often use operating microscopes to get a detailed view of the tiny structures inside the tooth. This allows for more precise and effective treatment. They also utilize digital imaging and ultrasonic instruments to enhance the accuracy and success of their treatments.
Complex Case Management
General dentists can perform basic root canal treatments, but endodontists are equipped to handle more complex cases. This might include teeth with intricate root structures, or widespread infection. Their specialized training and experience make them the best choice for managing complicated endodontic issues.
Specialist Fees and Insurance Coverage
Generally, seeing an endodontist will cost more than visiting a general dentist, whether you’re paying out of pocket or using insurance coverage for your visit. Since endodontists are specialists, your copay may be higher to visit them over your general dentist and your coverage may not be available at the same rate as getting the same service through your regular dentist’s office. Since endodontists often need to be referred by a general dentist to be seen and treated, it’s always best to check with your dentist before contacting an endodontist directly.
Highly trained BDG dentists are skilled in performing many services that endodontists provide, such as root canals or root canal therapy. We work with our patients to make sure they have the best in-house experience and are able to take advantage of their coverage as much as possible before referring out to more expensive specialists.
Unless you have an advanced case that will require special inspection and treatment from a certified endodontist, we may be able to treat you right from our Las Vegas BDG locations. If not, we would be happy to provide the referral you need to get into an endodontist for more complex cases that can’t be covered in-house.
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Procedures Performed by an Endodontist
Root Canal Therapy
As previously mentioned, root canal treatments are the most common procedure endodontists perform. This treatment can help save a tooth when the dental pulp becomes infected or inflamed. During a root canal, the endodontist removes the damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and then fills and seals the space. This procedure can be performed instead of extracting a tooth that has lost its blood supply due to damage or decay, a condition that is also known as a dead tooth.
Endodontic Retreatment
In some cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment may not heal as expected, or new problems might arise. Endodontic retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the previous filling material, and re-cleaning and reshaping the canals. The endodontist then refills and reseals the tooth to promote proper healing.
Apicoectomy or Surgical Root Canal
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed when a root canal treatment alone is not enough to restore the tooth. During this procedure, the endodontist makes an incision in the gum tissue to access the tip of the tooth’s root. They then remove the infected tissue and the end of the root before placing a small filling to seal the root canal.
Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries
Endodontists also treat traumatic dental injuries, such as a chipped tooth or dislodged tooth. They are skilled in procedures to stabilize and save the affected teeth, ensuring the best outcome for patients who have experienced dental trauma.
When to See an Endodontist
Persistent Tooth Pain
Persistent Tooth PainIf you are experiencing persistent tooth pain that does not go away with over-the-counter pain relievers, it may be a sign of a tooth infection or inflammation in the dental pulp. An endodontist can diagnose the issue and provide the appropriate treatment to relieve your pain and save your tooth.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, even after the stimulus has been removed, can indicate a problem with the dental pulp. An endodontist can determine the cause of the sensitivity and recommend the best course of action.
Swelling and Tenderness
Swelling and tenderness in the gums, especially around a specific tooth, can also be a sign of an infection. Endodontists are trained to handle these issues and can perform the necessary procedures to address the infection and prevent further complications.
Referred by Your Dentist
Your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist if you have a complex case that requires specialized care. This referral ensures that you receive the highest quality treatment for your specific dental issue.
Conclusion
Endodontists focus on the interior of the tooth and address issues related to the dental pulp. Their specialized training, equipment, and expertise allow them to treat complex cases. However, many procedures like root canal therapy, can also be performed by our general dentists at BDG, without the specialist fees or lower insurance coverage. If you are concerned you may need to see a Las Vegas Endodontist, make an appointment with BDG to see what can be covered in house first or get a referral if your case is more complex.
