Endo-What? A Look At Endodontal Specialists And What They Can Do For You

Has your dentist recommended that you see an endodontic specialist for treatment? Chances are, you have a few questions about endodontists, what they do, and why you need to see one rather than your regular dentist. Read on to learn more about these skilled specialists and what they can do for you.

What does an endodontist do?

The prefix "endo" means "inside," and the root word "dont" translates to tooth. Thus, an endodontist is someone who studies and works with the inside of teeth. Your teeth have several layers. The outside enamel is what you see. Below that is a middle layer known as the dentin, and beneath that is the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

Endodontists specialize in treating the pulp tissue inside your teeth. Specifically, they perform root canal procedures in which the pulp of the tooth is removed and replaced with synthetic materials. Every root canal is a bit different, since patients' teeth are shaped differently, may be infected, and may be experiencing various stages of decay or damage. Thus, an endodontist must be experienced in a wide array of different techniques that they can switch between at a moment's notice, based on a specific patient's needs during a root canal.

What training do endodontists have?

Endodontists must first earn a bachelor's degree before then attending dental school. Once they have completed dental school, they then complete additional hands-on and classroom based training in the specific field of endodontics. They must then pass a certifying exam in order to become a board-certified endodontist. Once they begin practicing, they must attend workshops and seminars to keep their skills up-to-date and maintain their certifications.

Don't regular dentists perform root canals? Why must you see a specialist?

General dentists do receive some endodontic training in dental school, and most will perform basic root canals. However, general dentists do not often have the expertise to perform a root canal when there is any sort of complication, such as an infection that has spread to a nearby tooth, an irregularly shaped root canal, or a canal that has become blocked by another tooth root. If your dentist is recommending that you have a root canal performed by an endodontist, it is because the procedure you need is beyond the scope of his or her general dentistry knowledge.

Seeing an endodontic specialist does not usually mean that your condition is overly serious or that you should be worried. It means that your dentist wants to be sure your care is in the most skilled hands -- and in this case, those hands are those of an endodontist. Talk to your dentist about specialists who deal with endodontics in your area.