Endodontists: What Do They Do?

What do endodontists do? Endodontists are doctors that specialize in the treatment of dental pulp. The pulp is the foundation of a tooth that consists of many nerves and tissues. Endodontist is a medical term, which has Greek origins. “Endo” means inside and “odont” means teeth.

Difference between Endodontist and Dentist

All Endodontists are also Dentists. However, only less than three percent of dentists are Endodontists. Endodontists go through dental school but have to study two extra years for the specialization of procedures related to dental pulp. The skill and expertise of an Endodontist can be a savior for severe cases that involve the dying down of teeth. For this very reason, you can believe them to be the ‘specialists in saving teeth’. Even though general dentists will provide you with the root canal treatment, they are more likely to appoint you to an Endodontist for a better diagnosis and treatment.

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Root Canal Treatment

This dental procedure specifically deals with the treatment of dental pulp, the pulp is the core of the teeth and consists of many connective tissues and nerve cells. The dental pulp is responsible for the health of your teeth. Root canal treatment becomes necessary when there is an inflammation in the pulp. With this procedure, the doctors are able to treat the infected tooth without extracting it. Infected pulp can cause extreme toothache and have adverse symptomatic outcomes. Endodontists perform this treatment with the help of advanced microscopic equipment, which in turn optimizes their technical prowess and promises a successful treatment.

Specialize in Pain Management

Endodontists perform countless surgeries in a week. To make sure that the procedures run smoothly, Endodontists specialize in anesthetic medications. They specialize in methods that account for a pain-free dental procedure. They can manage pain after the surgery until the inflammation heals, ultimately ridding you from any type discomfort.

The connective nerves that could be causing toothache can also be causing pain and discomfort in other parts of the body. An endodontic treatment relieves you from several other pains that occur because of infected dental pulp.

Treat Traumatic Injury

In some cases, Injuries can cause pulp damage and result in the stunting of tooth growth, especially in small children. Endodontic treatment is able to stimulate the root to grow bone density at the end of the root. This incredible procedure causes the teeth to start growing again. Apexification is the medical term for this procedure and Endodontists specialize in it.

Use Technologically Advanced Tools

Endodontists use tools that are symbols of advanced technology. These technologies help tackle complex dental issues with more accuracy and efficiency. They perform treatments with the help of high-tech microscopic machinery, able to magnify microscopic cells to a significant size. Endodontists use a sheet of plastic or rubber called dental dams. This tool isolates the tooth during surgery, providing visual contrast and protecting the rest of the mouth. It also prevents microbial contamination inside the mouth.

3D imaging and radiographs provide endodontists with a better, more detailed picture of the tooth anatomy of patients. They also use NASA technology; Endodontists navigate through root canal spaces and remove existing microbial contamination by using a tool made out of nickel titanium. This material is flexible and has shape-memory properties. Interestingly, NASA uses it to make space satellites.

When to See an Endodontist

Severe pain in the teeth and an injury to the roots are reasons to get an appointment to the Endodontist. More commonly, the dentist diagnosis the dental problem and advises you to see an endodontists, considering your condition. It is really a matter of more specialized skills and advanced technology for enhanced results when considering between the two. An average endodontist may perform more root canal treatments than an average dentist does. Opting for an endodontist is a choice that primarily depends on your condition. Oftentimes, the dentist and endodontists work together as a team.

A Team Effort

Your general dentist is the perfect choice for regular checkups and cleanups. Dentists help you maintain the general health of your teeth. On the other hand, endodontists deal with more complex dental issues. Ideally, both work together in maintaining long-term oral health conditions.

To Conclude

Although Dentist and Endodontists serve you by looking after your teeth, it is also important for you to take responsibility. Brushing your teeth twice a day along with maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way when it comes to oral health. Incorporating regular dental checkups while self-caring is the ideal way of taking care of your pearly whites.

If you suffer from a serious dental issue, visit Dr. Young Bui, an experienced Endodontist who has performed over 15,000 root canal surgeries, for expert treatment and consultation.