What Endodontists Do and How They Can Help You

In this blog, we are going to outline what an endodontist is. There are many types of dentists, and each type serves a specific purpose. Let's jump right in.

What is an endodontist?According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), endodontists are highly skilled dental specialists in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing root canal treatment. They specialize in treating the infected pulp or the nerve of a tooth, plus the infected areas around the bone that supports the tooth.

Endodontists attend a residency school for typically two to three years after they graduate from dental school.

What Does an Endodontist Do?

Many people ask, what do endodontists do? An endodontist performs many different endodontic functions. The main purpose of an endodontist is to help people with tooth pain because of dead / necrotic nerves. Three common Endodontic treatments include:

1. Pulpectomies
2. Apicoectomies
3. Root Canal Treatment

Pulpectomies

When a patient's tooth is inflamed, an endodontist can perform what is called a pulpectomy. This is done by drilling a hole through the top of the tooth, cleaning any infections inside, taking out the nerve, removing moisture in the tooth chamber, and inserting a medicated paste that helps the tooth heal properly. This is the first stage of a root canal.

ApicoectomiesDeeper than a pulpectomy, an apicoectomy happens with an endondontist opens up the gum tissue surrounding the tooth to view the bone that the tooth is connected to in order to remove infected tissue. In this process, the endodontist also removes the very tip of the root. In addition, a small filling may be added to seal the end of the root canal. To seal the gums, a few stitches may be added to assist in healing the tissue.

Root Canal TreatmentDuring a root canal, an endodontist starts by opening the nerve chamber with a tiny drill to be able to get to the nerve. Next, an endodontist will remove any infected nerves, cleans the nerve, and shapes the canal if needed. Next, the nerve is dried and filled with a cement and gutta percha that totally seals the tooth from bacteria. Having a Successful Endondontic ProcedureSimilar to other medical surgeries, it is very important that patients getting endodontic treatment follow the endodontists pre and post operative guidelines. Some common post-operative guidelines include eating a soft diet, not using a straw to drink beverages, not brushing your teeth or gums in the area for a certain amount of time, and no strenuous rinsing. Similar to other wounds, natural healing of the gums and tissues include a healthy build-up of a clot that allows the tissue underneath to heal, so it's very important that the patient not do anything to remove the clot before the wound has had a chance to heal.

How to Avoid Going to an Endodontist

While avoiding an endodontist is certainly not guaranteed, with proper self care and by visiting a dentist regularly for dental cleanings and checkups, you will decrease the likelihood of needing an endodontist. It's also very important to brush your teeth twice a day or more, floss daily, and use mouthwash.

Thank you for reading our blog about endodontists!

Dr. Lawrence Lesperance is a Coral Gables Dentist with a mission to provide best in class service in an ethical, efficient, and friendly manner. Come experience the South Gables Dental difference today! https://southgablesdental.com/