What do endodontists do besides root canals?
For many people, the mere thought of an endodontist brings to mind the dreaded root canal procedure. However, while most people might think of endodontists solely for root canal therapy, endodontists can actually help with many different issues related to oral health. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the other treatments endodontists perform besides root canals, the type of training they undergo and what you should do if you're experiencing tooth pain.
What is an endodontist, exactly?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the health and treatment of the inside of teeth, including the nerves, blood vessels and tissues. They specialize in root canal therapy, which is the removal of the inflamed or infected pulp of a tooth. Endodontists also perform other procedures to help save natural teeth and restore oral health.
Every endodontist is a dentist, but only about 3% of dentists are endodontists. After completing four years of dental school, endodontists undergo an additional two to three years of specialized training and education in order to become certified in this field. This makes them experts in diagnosing and treating complex conditions related to the teeth's interior anatomy.
Both Dr. Nieves and Dr. Fitzhugh here at WFW Endodontics are board-certified endodontists, meaning they've gone through even more training to reach board certification. This means that when you're in our care at WFW Endodontics, you're getting the best possible treatment!
What do endodontists do besides root canals?
Endodontic retreatment: Sometimes a previously treated tooth may still exhibit signs of infection or inflammation. In such a case, an endodontist may perform an endodontic retreatment to remove any infected or inflamed material, clean and reshape the canal system, and fill the canals to prevent any further issues.
Apicoectomy: If an endodontic retreatment is not effective, an apicoectomy may be recommended. In this procedure, the endodontist removes the tip of the tooth's root and any infected or inflamed tissue before sealing the end of the root.
Treatment of cracked teeth: Teeth can crack for various reasons, and sometimes a traditional filling might not be enough to restore the tooth's integrity. In such cases, an endodontist can perform a procedure called bonding or a root canal to salvage the natural tooth.
What types of training does an endodontist need?
Becoming an endodontist requires additional training beyond the standard dental education. Endodontists typically complete two or three years of advanced training in a dental specialty program before receiving certification from the American Board of Endodontics. This specialized training provides endodontists with the expertise necessary to assess tooth pain and perform complex procedures that focus on tooth health and restoration.
What should I do if I have tooth pain?
While it's always better to prevent dental problems before they arise, tooth pain is something that requires immediate attention. If you have severe pain, swelling, or any other dental emergency, be sure to seek out the services of a dental professional like our team at WFW Endodontics as soon as possible. The cause of your pain may be a complex issue that requires the expertise of an endodontist. It's important to remember that the earlier you seek professional help, the better the outcome for any dental issues.
Make an appointment with WFW Endodontics if you're experiencing tooth pain
At WFW Endodontics, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of oral pain caused by tooth infections. Our team works closely with you to provide personalized care that suits your unique needs. We use state-of-the-art digital imaging technology to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of dental issues. Whether you're in need of root canal therapy, an apicoectomy or a retreatment, our team is here to help restore your oral health. Contact us to make an appointment today and see the difference our board-certified endodontists can make!