What Happens at an Appointment with an Endodontist?

Stabbing pain or nagging ache in a tooth might mean a root canal is necessary to save the tooth and eliminate the pain. Endodontists specialize in root canals and other treatments dealing with the tooth pulp, or the living connective tissue and cells that connect to the jaw and nerves. An endodontist will seek to diagnose tooth problems and prescribe a course of treatment in hope of saving the tooth.

About Endodontists

• Endodontists receive extensive training to treat unusual dental problems.

  Endodontics is a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association for the diagnosis and treatment of root canals. Endodontists specialize in caring for individuals with unusual oral anatomy, including those with narrow or blocked tooth canals. They must complete two years of education and training beyond that necessary to become a dentist.

Indications for Endodontic Treatment

• Inside a tooth is living tissue called the pulp.

  Endodontic treatment is necessary if the pulp, or a tooth's soft, living interior, becomes inflamed or infected. Left untreated, this causes pain and may lead to an abscess, which could require the removal of the entire tooth. Endodontists can remove the inside of the tooth, clean it and fill it to stop the pain and save the tooth.

Initial Endodontic Appointment

• An appointment with an endodontist will likely start with a review of the patient's situation as well as relevant dental and medical history. X-rays will be taken of the area of concern to view the problem and to begin a plan for treatment. The endodontist will perform several tests to determine the severity of the problem and whether a root canal is necessary. She will check the surrounding teeth to see if the infection or inflammation has spread. Finally, she will review options for treatment with the patient to determine a course of action.