According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million people see an endodontist each year. People who work in endodontics focus on saving patients' teeth and spend at least two extra years in dental school before entering the field. During this time, they gain more knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of the dental pulp and its surrounding tissue. A dentist may recommend a patient see a specialist in endodontics for a variety of reasons.
Endodontists typically see patients after a dentist recommends it due to serious tooth pain or injury, facial or oral swelling, or increased sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. There are several common reasons these symptoms may occur:
Although a patient may receive a referral from the dentist, it is not always necessary. If the patient knows more focused treatment is necessary, contacting an endodontist directly may be possible.
The majority of people who see an endodontist do so to receive a root canal treatment. A root canal involves several steps. First, the inflamed root canal is disinfected. Next, the pathological pulp is removed to make room for cleaning the root canal system. During this part of the procedure, the dentist tries to save as much of the healthy pulp as possible. Once it is clean, the system is reshaped. Finally, the canal is filled in to prevent it from becoming reinfected and help to ensure the healing process.
Endodontists provide other types of treatments as well. If someone has a tooth or teeth knocked out due to a sports or work injury and can save them, one treatment option may be trying to reattach them in the mouth. If reattachment is not possible, or if the patient has severe tooth loss due to other dental issues, the professional can fit the patient for dental implants and complete the relevant surgeries to insert them.
Endodontic surgery is another possibility. Sometimes, small fractures or canal infections are hard to see on traditional dental X-rays. Endodontic surgery involves the use of operating microscopes and digital imaging technology to see the situation better and treat it more quickly.
An endodontist typically provides patients with aftercare instructions that may include cleansing the treated area, taking mild pain medication, or using a prescription mouthwash. Patients should follow these instructions closely in addition to maintaining proper brushing and flossing habits. Doing so helps to promote faster healing and prevent teeth from becoming re-infected.
Endodontic treatment is not necessary for every dental problem, but it is an important option for many people. Those who suspect they need a root canal or who want dental implants should ask a dentist for a referral or contact a local endodontist directly.
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