Endodontics: Getting to the Root of Your Problem
The primary goal of dentistry is to save as many and as much of your natural teeth as possible. This is especially true of endodontists, who many call specialists in saving teeth.
The word 'endodontist' comes from the Greek words "endo" and "ondont." In Greek, "endo" is the word for "inside" and "odont" is the word for tooth. This shows how the word 'endodontist' means 'inside a tooth.' And this is exactly where an endodontist works: inside the nerves, pulp, and inner spaces of a tooth.
Why should you see an endodontist?
Expertise
An endodontist is a specialist that completes additional years in dental school to gain this specialization. It takes a minimum of at least two additional years for them to earn their Master of Science in Dentistry. Here they focus on the diagnosis and treatment of tooth pain, root canal, and other procedures.
Endodontists can also receive an official certificate through the American Board of Endodontics. Endodontists are exceptional as less than 3% of dentists specialize in endodontics.
Experience
While your dentist can also perform procedures like root canals, your endodontist has a lot more experience. On average, a dentist performs 2 root canals a week whereas your endodontist performs up to 25 a week.
Pain management
Endodontists are also experts in managing oral pain. They can more easily numb patients, especially those who have trouble with local anesthetics. They also relieve pain by treating the cause, such as inflammation and nerve pain in and around a tooth.
When should you see an endodontist?
Your dentist will refer you to an endodontist when there's evidence that your pulp, roots, or nerves are exposed. This includes symptoms and causes in one or more teeth such as:
Sensitivity to heat and cold
Intense pain
Injuries that have dislodged a tooth or teeth
Chips and fractures
How can we help you?
At Charlotte Root Canal Center, we're here to help treat and heal your dental problem. We provide several services and patient education on our blog. For more information, contact us today or request an appointment.