If you have nagging tooth pain, you may be searching for relief. Is a dentist or endodontist the best choice to treat your problem? Endodontists receive special training in diagnosing and treating dental pain. Most dentists focus on prevention and treating common issues.
Dentists vs. Endodontists
An endodontist is a dental specialist with extensive post-doctoral education. Their focus is on diagnosing and treating tooth pain. Endodontists are experts in saving teeth from extraction through procedures like root canals.
Everyone needs to see a general dentist at least twice yearly. They fill cavities, treat gum disease, and put on crowns, among many other services. Preventive treatment includes cleanings and fluoride applications.
There should be no contest when you choose between a dentist and endodontist for a root canal. Some general dentists also perform root canals. Yet, they do not receive the same intensive training as endodontists.
Services Provided by Endodontists
The primary service that an endodontist offers is the root canal. However, the scope of their practice goes much further. Endodontists also offer retreatment, endodontic surgery, and the treatment of dental trauma.
About Root Canals
A root canal treats an infection inside a tooth. Bacteria can enter and thrive when a deep cavity, crack, or traumatic event damages a tooth.
Your endodontist will give you local anesthesia for your comfort. They will then drill into the tooth and remove the infected pulp. The endodontist carefully cleans, disinfects, and smooths the canals inside the tooth before filling it. After the procedure, people often visit their regular dentist for a permanent crown.
Endodontic Retreatment
You may need retreatment if the tooth experiences further problems. The infection may return, or small areas may need treatment. Retreatment involves removing the crown and filling material, and treating the infection again.
Sometimes curved or narrow canals miss treatment during the first procedure. In this case, retreatment is necessary. This procedure may also happen because there was a delay in placing the crown.
New decay and breaks or cracks in the tooth or crown can also lead to repeat root canals. Retreatment increases the chance of saving the tooth even if the infection returns.
Endodontic Surgery
Sometimes pain persists despite a root canal. In this case, you may need surgery. An apicoectomy or root-end resection treats infections near the roots by making small incisions in the gums.
Dental Trauma
Endodontists also specialize in saving teeth that traumatic breaks or cracks have damaged. If you break a tooth, promptly see an endodontist to have it addressed.
See an Endodontist Today
You may be experiencing tooth pain and need relief. Your dentist may have told you that you need a root canal. In both situations, an endodontist should be your first call. Endodontists treat infections inside the tooth and roots, eliminating dental pain and saving teeth from extraction.
Contact Eagle Endodontics today at one of our convenient offices in Lexington and Belmont, MA. We can help you explore your options for root canals or any other form of endodontic treatment.