What Is Endodontics? Learn How Our Experts Save Your Teeth From the Inside Out



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What Is Endodontics? Learn How Our Experts Save Your Teeth From the Inside Out

Written by Dr. Jesse Hofer, DMD     August 1, 2024 14:40

Everyone knows dentists deal with cavities and cleanings. But what happens when tooth pain goes beyond the surface? Welcome to endodontics, a dental specialty that focuses on treating issues with the pulp and roots of your pearly whites. Learn more about our endodontic services to see how we protect and treat your dental pulp.

What Are Endodontists, and Are They Any Different From Plain Old Dentists?

Endodontists are dental specialists who quite literally get to the root of things. They go through additional training focused on diagnosing and treating issues with the dental pulp and roots, which keep your teeth alive and healthy.

While all dentists get some endodontic training, endodontists complete 2-3 more years of specialized education. So endodontists offer specialized expertise for complex cases beyond the scope of general dentists.

Okay, What Are the Pulp and Roots?

Endodontics’ meaning comes from the Greek words “endo” (inside) and “odont” (tooth). Found innermost, the dental pulp is the heart of your tooth. This soft tissue contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue—each crucial to the health and development of your teeth. 

Dental roots are what house the pulp and anchor your teeth in place. (You can’t quite see them without an X-ray: they lie beneath your gums and extend into your jawbone.) Roots provide stability, making sure your teeth can withstand the forces of chewing. Damage or infection to the roots is dangerous—it can compromise the entire tooth.

Your dental pulp is protected by hard outer layers called enamel and dentin. These layers are tough, but can be breached by cavities or injuries, exposing the delicate pulp. If you suspect this is happening, you might need the expertise of an endodontist.

What is an Endodontic Treatment?

Endodontic treatment is a specialized dental procedure aimed at treating issues within the pulp and roots of a tooth. The goal is to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or damage.

Endodontists perform various procedures. Here are some common ones:

Root Canal

You’ve probably heard of this one: root canals involve accessing the root canal, removing infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the canal, and placing a filling and often a crown to restore function. 

Endodontic Retreatment

Sometimes, a tooth that’s been previously treated fails to heal properly. Endodontic retreatment is needed when the initial treatment doesn’t completely address the infection or if new issues arise. This may involve removing previous filling materials and cleaning and refilling the canals.

Tooth Injury Treatment

Tooth injuries, such as cracks or chips, can also affect the dental pulp. Endodontists manage these injuries, treating the pulp if it’s seriously damaged and making sure it stays healthy going forward.

What Types of Endodontic Treatments Are There?

Endodontics is all about saving your teeth from the inside out, but it's not just about root canals! While root canal therapy is the most common endodontic procedure, there are a few other specialized treatments endodontists use to preserve teeth in more complicated cases. Here's a look at what else endodontists do:

Apicoectomy: When an infection sticks around after a root canal, an endodontist may perform an apicoectomy. This procedure involves making a tiny incision in your gum to remove the tip of the root and any surrounding infection. It’s a more advanced treatment that allows the endodontist to address persistent issues when root canals alone can’t do the job.

Endodontic Surgery: Some teeth have issues that go beyond what a root canal can fix. In these cases, endodontic surgery might be necessary. This could include accessing the roots through the gum tissue or repairing fractures deep inside the tooth. While these treatments aren’t the first line of defense, they’re essential when complex problems arise.

These specialized treatments help ensure that even the most challenging dental issues can be addressed and your teeth can be saved.

What Tools Do Endodontists Use?

Endodontists use advanced methods and technologies to boost accuracy, reduce treatment time, and improve outcomes:

  • Dental Microscopes help endodontists to see tiny structures inside the tooth.
  • Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides 3D imaging for more detailed views of root structures and surrounding tissues.
  • Digital Imaging encompasses high-resolution X-rays and 3D scans for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Ultrasonic Instruments clean and shape canals more precisely.
  • Nickel-Titanium Files reduce risk of damage when cleaning and shaping root canals thanks to their flexibility.
  • Bioceramic Materials provide high-tech sealing, improving treatments’ success rates.

Why Should I Seek Out an Endodontist?

You might need to see an endodontist if you have a tooth injury or are experiencing symptoms like persistent tooth pain and sensitivity to hot or cold.

What Should I Expect During an Endodontic Visit?

During your visit, the endodontist will thoroughly examine your tooth, possibly taking X-rays to get the best idea of what’s going on. If you’re scared of those, not to worry: patient consent is required for X-rays. Then, your endodontist will explain any procedure you might need, making sure you’re comfortable and informed every step of the way.

Following your treatment, you’re not totally off the hook—the way you take care of your teeth afterward is crucial. Your endodontist will provide detailed instructions on post-procedure care for a smooth recovery.

Are There Any Risks with Endodontic Treatment? Here's What to Expect After

While endodontic treatments are generally safe, it’s important to know what risks might come with the procedure—and how to care for your tooth after treatment to ensure the best possible outcome. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Possible Risks: Although rare, there are a few risks that can happen with endodontic procedures:

  • Infection: There’s a small chance the infection could return, but that’s why endodontists use advanced technology to prevent this from happening.
  • Nerve Damage: In some cases, nerves around the treated tooth might be affected, though this is uncommon.
  • Tooth Fracture: After a root canal or other treatment, the tooth can sometimes become brittle. This may require further care or restoration to protect it.

How Endodontists Mitigate Risks: Endodontists use state-of-the-art technology like digital X-rays, 3D imaging, and dental microscopes to ensure the procedure is as accurate as possible. These tools allow them to treat the tooth effectively, minimizing the risk of complications and maximizing the chances of saving the tooth.

Post-Treatment Care: After your endodontic procedure, you’ll want to take care of your tooth to ensure smooth healing:

  • Avoid hard foods for a few days while the tooth recovers.
  • Pain management: Some discomfort is normal, but over-the-counter pain relievers can usually manage it.
  • Oral hygiene: Keep brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated tooth to avoid irritation. Follow your endodontist's instructions closely for the best results.

With a little care, your tooth will have the best chance of healing properly and staying strong for years to come.

What Are the Benefits of Endodontic Treatment?

As Don Quixote said, every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond. Unlike root canal and root extraction, where extraction removes the tooth, endodontic treatment aims to save it. Maintaining your natural teeth helps keep your smile intact and avoids the need for extraction, implants, or bridges, which can range in price from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.

Plus, pulp damage comes with serious pain, and pulp infection has a bit of a ripple effect: it can spread to other teeth and gums. Endodontics can be the difference between a full mouth of teeth and a lifetime full of tooth pain.

Is Endodontics Legit?

Endodontics is recognized as a specialty by major dental organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).

Ignore your teeth and they’ll go away.* Understanding when you need to see an endodontist—and then seeing one, pronto—can mean saving your pearly whites or losing them (along with a whole lot of money). After all, teeth are always in style. 

*expression from Ignore your teeth and they'll go away: The complete guide to gum disease

Further Reading

For more information on endodontics, check out these resources:

People Also Ask:

What Is Endodontics in Dentistry? And What Exactly Does an Endodontist Do?

Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on issues related to the innermost parts of the tooth—the pulp and roots. An endodontist performs procedures like root canals and tooth injury repairs.

What Is an Endodontics Specialist?

An endodontics specialist is another term for an endodontist.

Why Would a Dentist Refer You to an Endodontist?

A dentist might refer you to an endodontist when advanced expertise about the dental pulp and roots is needed to save a tooth.

What Is Endodontic Treatment For?

Endodontic treatment deals with infections or damage within the dental pulp and roots. It aims to reduce pain, prevent further infection, and preserve the natural tooth.

Is Endodontics the Same as a Root Canal?

Endodontics encompasses many treatments for dental pulp and root issues. A root canal is just one procedure within this specialty.

What Is the Most Common Endodontic Procedure?

The most common endodontic procedure is the root canal, which involves removing infected pulp, cleaning the canals, and sealing them to preserve the tooth.