Patient Education
What is an Endodontist?
An Endodontist is a dental specialist who deals with infections that occur inside the tooth. You might be experiencing pain to hot or cold temperatures, biting, swelling, gum sensitivity, abscess, discoloration of the tooth, or you may have no symptoms at all. You might be experiencing these symptoms because of deep decay, trauma, chipping, cracking, or repeated dental procedures. In some cases, the inside of a tooth (called the pulp) dies, or becomes necrotic, for no apparent reason. There are several ways in which Endodontist save teeth that have infections or necrosis, but the most common procedure is called root canal therapy. More than 14 million teeth receive some form of endodontic therapy each year—you’re not alone. Moreover, you are in good hands: all Endodontists complete at least two years of post doctorate education to become a specialist. Following college, that requires an additional six years of advanced training.
If you are reading this page, it probably means that your General Dentist has referred you to see an Endodontist for consultation and/or treatment on one or more of your teeth. You may be thinking, “what is an Endodontist and why am I being referred?”
