An Endodontist is a dentist who specializes in saving teeth. Endodontists become specialists by completing dental school followed by an additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including root canal treatment and endodontic surgery.
As a result of their specialty training, Endodontists are skilled in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose. They are also experts at managing and relieving tooth pain, treating traumatic injuries to teeth and performing other procedures including internal bleaching to remove discoloration from teeth and vital pulp therapy.
Aside from providing treatment, an Endodontist is also an educator. It is important that patients understand why they require treatment, what treatment involves and what they can do to ensure the best possible outcome. Endodontists believe that a properly informed patient has the best chance of achieving the optimal result.
Your dentist may have referred you to an Endodontist because of a personal concern about your medical conditions, treatment preferences, pain tolerance and/or the overall high quality of your dental care. Your Endodontist is a valuable partner on your general dentist's team of trusted caregivers, and is no different than medical specialists who provide expert advice for heart, bone or other health problems. Your dental team works together to relieve pain, save teeth and provide you with the optimal care that you deserve.