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What Is a Endodontist?

Going to the dentist is not something most people look forward to. They would rather just ignore any problems, hoping they will go away on their own. Getting a checkup every six months and practicing good dental hygiene is typically all you need to ensure healthy teeth. Accidents do happen and so does disease; when this occurs you may need to see an endodontist who specializes in some problems with the teeth.

  1. Definition

    • An endodontist specializes in the science of endodontics. This is the science of treating the tissues inside and surrounding the tooth. Endodontist can treat teeth riddled with decay, trauma or disease; and effective treatment can actually save the tooth, which is always the preferred goal. Root canals are virtually pain-free and very effective in saving a tooth.

      Your dentist will be happy to refer you to a qualified endodontist or you can get recommendations from friends and family.

    Significance

    • Saving your natural teeth is important to your overall good health. Placing your teeth in a cup while you sleep is repulsive to many folks. Dentures can click when you are talking or chewing. They may also not fit well. Dentures have to be replaced every so often due to changes in the jaw because of the aging process. Some people are even allergic to the materials in dentures.

      Dental implants are expensive and time consuming. They usually are a permanent addition to your mouth but can take months to properly adhere to the bone structure of your jaw. Saving your natural teeth is a primary goal in endodontics.

    Identification

    • Signs to indicate you need treatment by a qualified endodontist are pain, long term sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, tenderness, swelling or drainage in the nearby gingival tissues, bone or lymph nodes. If you have gum disease there may not be any symptoms, therefore routine checkups by your dentist are necessary.

    Education

    • Becoming an endodontist is a long arduous journey. You must first complete a bachelor's degree, and then attend dental school for 3 to 4 years. Specializing in endodontics takes an additional two years in a specialty program.

    Considerations

    • Healthy teeth are necessary for any individual who values their good health. Going to a dentist or endodontist does not mean you have to endure pain. Endodontist can give you "laughing gas" (nitrous oxide), or local anesthesia. Keeping your teeth healthy is preferable to the alternative of having to deal with ill-fitting dentures or having expensive dental implants.

      Brush your teeth twice daily, floss once a day, and see your dentist twice a year to clean and examine your teeth in order to keep a strong, healthy beautiful smile.

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