What is an Endodontist?
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in maintaining teeth through root canal therapy — procedures involving the soft inner tissue of the teeth, called the pulp. The word “endodontic” comes from the Greek “endo” meaning inside and “odont” meaning tooth. Endodontists treat the inside of the tooth.
All dentists receive some training in endodontics. However, some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat, and this is why you have been referred to an endodontic specialist.
In addition to dental school, endodontists receive two or more years of advanced education in root canal treatment. They study root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth in order to treat more difficult cases. Endodontists are also trained with and equipped with more technologically advanced equipment such as microscope to tackle difficult root canals. For this reason, many dentists choose to refer their patients to endodontists.
Some of the most common procedures that are referred to endodontists in order to save the natural dentition are:
Root canal therapy, Endodontic retreatment, Root canal microsurgery (Apicoectomy), Crack tooth diagnosis and treatment, Traumatic Injuries.
