EVERYONE HAS HEARD of dentists, obviously. But how much do you know about the different specialties within the field of dentistry and what they do? If you’ve had crooked or crowded teeth straightened, then you’re familiar with orthodontists, and you might have taken your kids to see a pediatric dentist. Those are just the most obvious specialties, but what special type of dentist do you see if you need a superhero who can save a tooth?
The Endodontist Is Here to Save the Day (and Your Tooth)
Endodontists have gone through all the schooling needed to become a dentist (earning bachelor’s degree, passing the Dental Admission Test, and earning a doctoral degree in Dental Surgery or Dental Medicine). After becoming licensed to practice dentistry, an aspiring endodontist must also complete years of endodontic specialty training through residency and become certified. Only 3% of all dentists ever do this!
What Exactly Do Endodontists Do?
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that centers on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and diseases of the pulp inside the tooth. An endodontist will also examine a patient’s gums and the other tissues that affect the performance and health of their teeth.
Some of the treatments endodontists offer include:
- Root canal treatment
- Removing and replacing infected dental pulp and tissues
- Examining, diagnosing, and tracking diseases in the dental roots and gum tissue
- Probing the gingival pockets around teeth to prevent, diagnose, and treat gingivitis and more advanced gum disease
The Endodontist’s Superpower: Working in Tiny Spaces
Teeth are pretty small to begin with, but how small is the canal inside the root of a tooth? Much smaller. Smaller than Roosevelt’s ear on the dime, in fact, and that’s the space endodontists have to work with when saving teeth. That means a lot of high-tech equipment like operating microscopes and imaging, as well as steady hands and years of training, education, and experience.
Another Tooth Saved Thanks to the Endodontist!
There’s no one better to see than an endodontist if you have a tooth in need of saving. You might think it would be less of a hassle just to have the tooth pulled and replace it with a false one, but even the finest dental implants money can buy can’t match a natural tooth at doing what teeth are meant for. If you have a problem tooth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment!
