An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating dental conditions related to the innermost part of the tooth, known as the pulp. They specialize in root canal therapy and are skilled in saving teeth that might otherwise require extraction. Endodontists also treat dental injuries and perform surgical procedures related to the tooth roots, helping patients maintain their natural smiles and oral health.
A professional endodontist is a dentist who completes the extra training to specialize in maintaining teeth through procedures that involve the soft tissue of the teeth. The soft tissue of the teeth is also known as the pulp, which contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. When a patient seriously damages his or her teeth, it is important to seek professional care from a specialist. A general dentist will not have the experience or tools to treat serious damage, where an endodontist does.
While minor issues such as plaque buildup or even a minor chip in the tooth may only need the services of a general dentist, there are many other issues that require specialist services. An endodontist provides treatment for:
Chipped teeth
Broken teeth
Infected teeth
Cracked teeth
Inflamed/infected dental pulp
Dental abscess
These are only some of the potential conditions that endodontists provide a more detailed level of care. Endodontists have the experience to accomplish more than simply cleaning a tooth. If a patient is struggling with a broken or cracked tooth, the damage can spread to the pulp. Once the damage reaches the pulp of the tooth, the pain will intensify and eventually cause an infection.
An endodontist will be able to identify the source of the infection, remove the infected or inflamed pulp, and then cover the tooth back up. This way, the patient will be able to continue using the natural tooth and not feel much or any pain. Contrary to popular stigma, an endodontist does not want to immediately extract teeth. In fact, an endodontist will do everything possible to protect the tooth in question.
An endodontist values natural teeth over artificial ones. Having a tooth is better than not having a tooth, since the process of resorption will leech calcium from the jawbone and alter the appearance of one’s face. While we live in a world where there are multiple options for artificial teeth replacements, the natural teeth will always be the preferred teeth of professionals.
By removing the infected root in a root canal procedure, an endodontist can save the shell of the tooth and relieve the patient of all pain. The endodontist will then cover the tooth up with a crown that protects the empty space of the root and allows the individual to continue eating whatever he or she likes.
While some general dentists offer basic root canal services, they will not have the necessary experience or technology to deal with serious cases. Thus, visiting an endodontist is crucial for anyone who is experiencing intense pain in their teeth. The process for visiting an endodontist is fairly simple.
The endodontist will attempt to schedule you in for an appointment as soon as possible. However, if the situation is an emergency, then the endodontist will attempt to see you immediately. In some cases, an endodontist may offer weekend services for special cases. After scheduling an appointment, the endodontist will recommend the most effective method to ease the pain while waiting for the appointment.
In most cases, using an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the cheek can help. In other cases, over-the-counter pain medication may help. Ask an endodontist for advice and recommendations on what to do. At the appointment, the endodontist will examine the tooth and ensure that a root canal is the most effective treatment. If a different treatment is necessary, the endodontist will explain the details and answer any questions before beginning.
If the patient needs endodontic surgery, then the endodontist will use anesthesia so the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. If the patient is going through surgery, then the endodontist will put the patient to sleep. When the surgery is complete, the patient will wake up and be sent home with specific directions about proper care. Depending on the procedure, the patient may need to schedule a ride home and avoid driving for a few hours.
It is also recommended that you take at least the rest of the day off to heal and maybe even the next day. It may take a few days before the teeth are fully functional and ready to eat food. An endodontist will go over all of this with you prior to the surgery so that you can prepare ahead of time.
Discover the passion and commitment that drives our dental team
Dr. Adam Kwiatkowski, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, has received multiple awards for his outstanding achievements in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is a recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists’ Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
Dr. Hearne, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired to become a dentist at the age of 12 by a close family friend who was a renowned dentist. With a foundation in customer service and excellence from his early career in the hotel industry, Dr. Hearne was further inspired to become a compassionate caregiver for his patients after the passing of his younger brother to cystic fibrosis at the age of 7.
I was born in Ogden, Utah and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. After serving an LDS mission in South Africa and getting married, I studied biology at Weber State University and attended the prestigious Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. There, I received multiple awards for clinical excellence before settling down in St. George with my family.
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