Endodontists are dentists who have an additional 2-3 years of formal education after dental school in the treatment and management of disorders relating to the roots and nerves of teeth. Endodontics is one of the several fields recognized as a dental specialty. One of the most common endodontic procedures people are familiar with is a root canal.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, an “[endodontist’s] additional training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth.”
Why See an Endodontist Instead of a Family Dentist?
If you have a tooth that is more difficult to treat because of its anatomy or location, your general/family dentist may not be up for the challenge. General dentists usually refer complex cases and root canal re-treatments as they require an extensive amount of time or additional equipment to complete. In many cases it is convenient and more comfortable for to just have a specialist complete your root canal.
Being that an endodontist is a highly trained specialist, he or she will have the necessary education, experience and equipment (such as microscopes) to make the procedure more efficient than it would be somewhere else.
What to Expect from a Root Canal Treatment by a Specialist
Unfortunately, root canals have a bad reputation. Many people feel that it’s one of the “worst” procedures they can have done in a dentist office…but it doesn’t have to be. Having an endodontist perform your root canal means the process will go as quickly and smoothly as possible. After all, they’re the experts!
First, the area will be numbed so you don’t feel any discomfort or pain. The endodontist will then create an access point to remove the diseased nerve tissue inside the tooth. Next, the nerve chamber is thoroughly cleaned and medicated before being sealed off to prevent reinfection.
You may have an endodontically infected tooth if you are experiencing symptoms of:
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling or an abscess along the gumlines
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain when chewing
- Past trauma to the tooth
- Large areas of decay
What About the Price Tag?
Depending on who your dentist is, he or she may have an endodontist that they work with to refer you to for your procedure. This may mean going to another office, or your dentist bringing a specialist into their own private practice for their patients.
The location of your treatment can have a significant impact on the cost of your procedure. Some family dental practices have their own endodontic specialist on staff, and patients don’t have to be referred elsewhere for their root canals. Not only does this make it more convenient, but it significantly decreases the cost of the root canal treatment; especially if you’re relying on your insurance coverage or financing options to cover the procedure.
Perhaps most importantly, if you need a root canal, don’t delay the procedure. Schedule an appointment with an endodontist as soon as possible to avoid complications and ongoing pain.
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