What Does an Endodontist Do?

What is an endodontist, and what does an endodontist do?

An endodontist treats painful tooth issues for their patients. They use an advanced skill set and extensive dental knowledge to relieve pain and save natural teeth to restore both their appearance and function.

Endodontists are dental specialists focused on treating complex tooth problems, particularly those affecting the tooth pulp—the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues deep inside the tooth. Their primary goal is to relieve pain and preserve natural teeth, even when severely damaged or decayed.

Key responsibilities of endodontists include:

Diagnosis and assessment: Endodontists examine teeth, jaws, and gums to identify potential issues. They review the patient’s medical and dental history to make informed treatment decisions. Diagnostic methods like X-rays and hot or cold sensitivity tests are used to assess the health of the tooth’s pulp.
Treatment planning: They assess each patient’s unique needs and treatment goals to create an effective treatment plan, clearly explaining the available treatment options, procedures, and expected outcomes to the patient to ensure informed consent. They often collaborate with other dental specialists, such as orthodontists and oral surgeons, to develop comprehensive treatment strategies.

Endodontist Procedures and Patient Care

Procedures performed by endodontists:

Root canals: Endodontists perform root canals to treat bacterial infections or abscesses in the pulp tissue, aiming to save the natural tooth.
Tooth preparation: They prepare teeth for fillings or crowns by removing decay and carefully shaping the tooth.
Basic surgical procedures: Endodontists may conduct root-end surgery or tooth division to address more complex dental issues.

Patient care:

They administer local anesthetics to minimize pain during invasive procedures, ensuring patient comfort.
Endodontists provide emergency dental care for patients experiencing severe pain or trauma. They apply dental sealants or medicated dressings to promote healing and protect the tooth structure.
When necessary, they prescribe medications such as antibiotics or pain relievers to manage infections or post-operative discomfort.
They conduct follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and the success of the treatment.