Endodontist
Endodontist is a specialist in the field of dentistry who focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the dental pulp, root and surrounding tissues of the teeth. The dental pulp is the soft connective tissue inside a tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.
Education and Training[edit | edit source]
To become an endodontist, a person must first complete a bachelor's degree and then attend dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After dental school, they must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in endodontics.
Role of an Endodontist[edit | edit source]
Endodontists perform a variety of procedures including root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, surgery, treating cracked teeth, and treating dental trauma. Root canal therapy is one of the most common procedures performed by an endodontist.
Root Canal Therapy[edit | edit source]
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
Endodontic Retreatment[edit | edit source]
Endodontic retreatment is performed when a tooth does not heal properly after a root canal, or if a new problem arises in a tooth that has been treated previously with a root canal. The endodontist will reopen the tooth, remove the filling materials, clean the root canals, and refill and seal the tooth.
Endodontic Surgery[edit | edit source]
Endodontic surgery may be needed when a non-surgical root canal treatment is not enough to heal the tooth. The most common type of endodontic surgery is an apicoectomy, or root-end resection, which is sometimes called a root-end filling.
Treating Cracked Teeth[edit | edit source]
Endodontists are also experts at diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing procedures relating to the interior of the tooth. They can treat cracked teeth and dental trauma, and perform other types of endodontic surgery as needed.
Dental Trauma[edit | edit source]
Dental trauma refers to trauma (injury) to the teeth and/or periodontium (the tissues that surround and support the teeth). Treatment depends on the type, location and severity of each injury.
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