What is an Endodontist Alpharetta, GA
You may be vaguely familiar with the term "endodontics" but unclear about exactly what this field of dentistry entails. While many general dentists perform endodontic procedures, an endodontist is a specialized dentist with additional training. General dentists and endodontists work together to help manage tooth pain.
General dentists also make referrals to endodontists. The American Academy of Endodontists (AAE) reports that general dentists typically refer about half of their patients in need of root canals to an endodontist. Our team at Windward Parkway Dentistry in Alpharetta and the surrounding area can provide more information on endodontic care and possible services you may need.
Call us at (770) 814-6224 to learn more.
Endodontist Expertise and Qualifications
An endodontist is a professional who has graduated from a four-year dental school and then receives two to three additional years of training in the field of endodontics. Endodontics is a field that focuses on the tooth pulp, also known as the dental pulp, which is the soft material inside of a tooth that includes connective tissue and the tooth's nerve roots.
When a tooth is severely decayed or traumatized, bacteria can enter the space inside the tooth (or the pulp chamber) and infect the tooth pulp, causing pain. An endodontist is highly skilled at identifying where tooth pain is coming from, helping manage problems that arise in the tooth pulp, and performing procedures that effectively save the teeth.
“The tooth pulp, also known as the dental pulp, is the soft material inside of a tooth and includes connective tissue and the tooth’s nerve roots.”
Endodontist vs. General Dentist
Even though endodontists and general dentists can perform endodontic treatments, endodontists can do more than general dentists because of their specialized training. Take, for example, the most common procedure that an endodontist performs: a root canal. In this procedure, the damaged pulp gets removed from the inside of the tooth, the pulp chamber gets cleaned extensively, and the area gets sealed off to prevent further decay. A general dentist typically performs only basic root canal procedures.
However, an endodontist can perform much more complicated root canals and can even remove parts of the tooth surgically, if necessary. An endodontist also typically has more specialized tools and methods for performing root canals and may use more sophisticated forms of local anesthesia. Additionally, since endodontists perform a higher volume of root canals than a general dentist, they have a wealth of experience in troubleshooting during the procedure.
“An endodontist also typically has more specialized tools and methods for performing root canals and may use more sophisticated forms of local anesthesia.”
What Endodontists Do
"Endo" is Greek for "inside," while "odont" is Greek for "tooth." As such, endodontic treatments are any treatments that involve the inside of the tooth. The interior of the tooth is also known as the tooth's pulp. Accordingly, endodontists are specialists in saving teeth. Some standard endodontic services involve root canal treatment and endodontic retreatment.
Root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure that relieves dental pain and saves the tooth. This treatment is necessary to remove any inflammation or infection in the pulp. If this first procedure fails or the tooth becomes reinfected, then endodontic retreatment is possible. During this process, the endodontist must reopen the tooth to clean and fill the canals with a temporary filling.
“… endodontic treatments are any treatments that involve the inside of the tooth (also known as the tooth’s pulp).”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What is an Endodontist in Alpharetta, GA
More Severe Endodontist Treatments
In addition to root canals and retreatments, endodontists can provide more severe treatments to help save a tooth. An endodontist can perform a surgery known as a root-end resection (or apicoectomy) that removes part of the tooth root that may have become infected or abscessed.
Endodontists are also skilled at treating traumatic dental injuries and saving teeth that may have become cracked. Even though the best tooth is a natural tooth, endodontists are also skilled at installing dental implants when they cannot save a natural tooth.
“An endodontist can perform a surgery known as a root-end resection (or apicoectomy) that removes part of the tooth root that may have become infected, or abscessed.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are some standard endodontic services?
Q. When should I see the endodontist?
Q. What expertise and qualifications are required an endodontist?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
Q. Can endodontists help with more severe issues?
People Also Ask
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
Q. What are the benefits of a root canal?
Q. What if a crown or root canal cannot save my cracked tooth?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. Are root canals a safe and common procedure?
Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
When to See an Endodontist
Many patients make the mistake of fearing the endodontist. In reality, it is critical to address tooth pain as soon as possible. Early intervention maximizes the chances of saving one's tooth. In many cases, an endodontist can resolve a patient's tooth pain in one appointment.
Individuals should seek out medical attention if they are experiencing tooth pain or have any temperature sensitivity. More severe cases may include incidents that have led to facial trauma or swelling around the face, gums, or teeth. Patients may worsen their situation by delaying treatment.
“Early intervention maximizes the chances of saving one’s tooth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How common are root canals?
A. Root canals are slowly becoming a more common procedure, as the AAE reports that an average endodontist performs 25 root canals each week. Root canals are a crucial treatment to help prevent the further spread of infection or damage to the surrounding teeth.
Q. Does an endodontist perform more root canals than a dentist?
A. In general, yes. Because endodontists focus primarily on root canals, they tend to conduct a higher volume of these procedures. As the AAE estimates, the average endodontist performs 25 root canals each week, whereas the average dentist performs only two. Thus, seeking a professional endodontist can provide the specialized services the patient needs.
Q. What is the satisfaction rate of endodontists?
A. Endodontists are well-respected by their professional colleagues and patients alike. The AAE reports that 89% of patients remain satisfied after having a root canal performed by an endodontist; 94% of dentists have a positive impression of the care provided by the endodontists with whom they collaborate.
Q. How can I learn more about endodontics?
A. The field of endodontics is represented by the American Academy of Endodontists. Their motto is that endodontists are specialists in saving teeth. To learn more, you can visit the AAE website, which has several educational videos.
Q. Are root canal treatments painful?
A. Several endodontic procedures are designed to relieve the pain of toothaches derived from pulp inflammation or infection. Today's endodontists know more about pain management than ever. Now, most patients report little discomfort during the procedure.
Scan here to view this page, What is an Endodontist, on mobile
Endodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
Choosing the right dentist can be intimidating. Our team at Windward Parkway Dentistry can help. Call us today at 770-814-6224 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Fulton County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Alpharetta, Bethany Crossing, Herring Township, and Milton
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Windward Parkway Dentistry on mobile
Back to top of What is an Endodontist
Related Posts
Making Your Implant Crowns Last
Implant crowns are typically recommended when an implant is being used to replace a lost tooth. This artificial teeth root is surgically inserted into the patient’s jaw.The implant fuses with bone tissues around it through a process known as osseointegration. As a result, bite forces are transferred through the implant crown and implant to the…
5 Ways Dental Bonding Can Improve Your Smile
Dental bonding is a simple and pain-free cosmetic procedure that can fix minor imperfections with teeth. Everyone should be able to show off a smile that they are proud of, and many achieve the smile of their dreams through dental bonding treatment. The most notable reasons to consider dental bonding are to fill gaps between teeth,…
General Dentistry: How A Dentist Uses X-rays In A Dental Exam
General dentistry relies on X-rays to obtain valuable information. Without the use of this traditional imaging tool, dentists could overlook problems hiding beneath the teeth. Find out how X-rays uncover the whole story of your teeth and why they are important for treatment.Dentists need X-ray images for detecting problems not visible during oral exams. Typical…
Welcome To Windward Parkway Dentistry
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Alpharetta, GA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Implants, Dental Fillings, Dentist Near Me and Root Canals.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Windward Parkway Dentistry on mobile