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Endodontists specialize in treating the inside of teeth, particularly through root canal procedures. They require additional training beyond dental school and can perform more complicated treatments. Going to an endodontist may benefit patients who need advanced treatment or experience anxiety about dental procedures. It can also be financially beneficial for dentists to pursue this specialty.
An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in problems with the inside of the tooth: the pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and other soft tissue. One of the most common procedures performed by these dentists is a root canal, which involves removing infected pulp from a tooth and sealing it. Also known as endodontic treatment, this procedure can be performed by a general dentist or may require the expertise of a specialist.
Qualifications
Like a general dentist, an endodontist must complete dental school, which usually takes about four years. In addition, he must also complete another two to three years of advanced specialist training, also called a residency. Dentists who complete this training may be awarded a degree or be eligible for board certification, depending on the country where they studied.
Why go to an endodontist?
Because basic training in endodontic procedures is provided in dental school, general dentists can—and often do—perform some root canals and other related treatments. A general dentist will usually examine a patient’s damaged tooth to determine if the pulp may be infected or inflamed. Many tooth pulp infections may not be accompanied by obvious pain, so a dentist may need to look for other symptoms. Depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the practices of the dentist, a patient may be referred to an endodontist for treatment.
For example, a problem in a molar would typically be more difficult to treat than a front tooth, and may require specialist assistance. In a basic root canal procedure, endodontics will remove inflamed or infected pulp tissue and nerve, shaping and cleaning the canal within the root of the tooth. He then fills and seals the tooth and may recommend the patient go back to their regular dentist to have the tooth crowned to protect it.
Root canals can be more complicated, however, especially when the pulp is badly infected. It can be extremely difficult to control the pain with local anesthetics if the gums are swollen and filled with pus, and it may be necessary to open the tooth and allow the pus to drain first. In some cases, only part of the pulp may be removed and the tooth filled temporarily for pain relief, with the patient returning to complete the procedure on another day. Medications can also be placed into the space within the pulp space to treat any infection. An endodontist, who is experienced in treating a wider range of dental problems, may be able to recommend the best treatment better than a general dentist.
other Treatments
Endodontists can also perform other services besides root canals. They may be called upon to treat cracked and broken teeth, diagnose and treat problems with roots, and replant or replace teeth that have been knocked out or extracted. An endodontist with hospital privileges may be called in to examine patients with dental and facial trauma; Opportunistic infections or inflammation of the exposed dental pulp may require immediate treatment before reconstructive work can begin.
Many times, these dentists are called in to remove teeth that have had root canal procedures in the past. Some teeth have smaller branches from the main canals and it can be extremely difficult to clean them all. Also, an infection can arise or recur. Sometimes an apicoectomy, which is the surgical removal of an infected root tip, is necessary.
Benefits for the patient and the dentist
There is a financial and professional incentive for dentists to pursue this specialty. Being an endodontist allows a dentist to provide more services to his patients and can be a revenue enhancer, as root canals cost significantly more than general dental services, such as filling cavities. Because endodontists have additional training and can perform more complicated treatments, they may be able to charge more overhead for their services.
Going to an endodontist may also benefit a patient, however, who may be able to get more advanced treatment of serious dental problems. Many people experience great anxiety about seeing a dentist, and being able to go to someone familiar during a dental emergency can make the experience less stressful. If complex procedures are required, they may even take less time if performed by a specialist.
