When you need gas in your car, most adults over the age of 16 are able to perform the simple act of filling the tank themselves. When the transmission goes out, you need a specialist to fix it. The same goes for teeth. For a simple cleaning or cavity filling, a dentist is your first stop. For more complicated procedure, an endodontist can do everything a dentist does but specializes in complicated dental procedures. Here’s what you can expect when visiting.
What does an endodontist do?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on saving teeth. The word comes from the Greek root “endo,” meaning “inside” and “odont,” meaning “tooth.”
Endodontists focus on the inside of the teeth with an eye to treating and preserving your dental pulp for healthy teeth.
Endodontist vs. dentist
Dentists address all-around oral care and hygiene. They focus on helping patients take good care of their natural teeth, monitoring patient cleaning practices, identifying trouble spots, and tracking potential issues. On a regular basis, dentists also complete deep cleanings, fill cavities, and introduce children to good oral hygiene. Dentists are crucial caretakers and early harbingers of more serious conditions that affect not only the teeth but can also become systemic.
On the other hand, endodontists focus their attention on the interior of the teeth. All endodontists are dentists, but only 3% of dentists are endodontists, like those at AZ Dentist.
To become an endodontist, doctors must obtain an additional two or three years of specialized training. This includes a focus on diagnosing problems as well as surgical and other solutions. Endodontic treatment may be the difference between a surgical extraction and saving a natural tooth.
Should I visit an endodontist?
If, during your regular check-up and cleaning, your family dentist notices something unusual, they may refer you to an endodontist. If you’re lucky, your dentist will also be an endodontist, skipping the need for a referral.
What are some reasons to visit an endodontist?
1. Root canal
The most common procedure performed in an endodontist’s office is a root canal. A root canal is a procedure your provider performs to remove inflamed and infected dental pulp before filling it. This preserves as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Your endodontist will also monitor and track your root canal aftercare before handing you back to your dentist for cleanings and check-ups.
2. Unidentified tooth pain
For tooth pain that goes beyond a cavity, an endodontist can identify, diagnose, and treat tooth pain.
Sometimes cracked or fractured teeth are not readily apparent in a regular dental check-up. Sometimes underlying disease causes infection and pain in the dental pulp. An endodontist goes deeper to find and treat the cause of your tooth pain.
3. Dental trauma
Dental trauma ranging from sports injuries to car accidents can damage the dental pulp and cause necrotic teeth. In cases where a tooth is completely knocked out, endodontists may be able to replant and save your natural tooth.
For children without permanent teeth, dental trauma to baby teeth can actually cause damage to the tooth’s roots, preventing or modifying the way in which permanent teeth emerge. A procedure known as apexification increases bone deposits and the tooth roots to solidify them. This can save the baby tooth with a root canal (rather than extraction). It also helps maintain the health of both baby and permanent teeth.
For all endodontic procedures, your endodontist follows up to ensure proper healing and oral health.
Where can I find an endodontist near me?
If you are looking for a Phoenix endodontist or a Scottsdale endodontist, the beautiful weather and landscape of Arizona gives you lots of choices. Even though only 3% of dentists maintain an endodontic practice, our state attracts some of the finest in the industry.
At AZ Dentist, we specialize not only in total oral health for your entire family but also in endodontic procedures that help preserve your natural teeth. We believe in a holistic approach that addresses all of the issues that affect your oral health, including diet, lifestyle, and underlying conditions.
When looking for an endodontist, consider the following questions.
What do other patients say?
If you have friends and family who have visited an endodontist, get in touch with them first. They can share their experiences and give you an idea of what to expect.
What does the internet say?
More and more, patients are turning to online reviews and social media to research medical providers.
Online review sites can provide plenty of information on everything from the manner of the endodontist to the friendliness of the office staff.
What are their credentials?
In addition to opinions about the endodontist, online review sites often catalogue a doctor’s education credentials and level of experience.
Do they offer consultations?
An endodontist will typically set up a consultation prior to committing to the work. This gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the procedure itself while taking the temperature of the office. If you walk into reception and don’t feel comfortable and welcomed, go with your instincts. Many people are nervous about more extensive dental work, but a good endodontist and their staff will work hard to set patients at ease.
Find your Arizona endodontist
At AZ Dentist, your comfort is our highest priority. From our comfortable reception area to our experienced endodontists, we want you to have the best experience you can have. We believe an educated patient has the best chance of a successful procedure, so we take the time to meet with you and answer your questions.
If you are looking for a skilled and compassionate endodontist, AZ Dentist can help. We have locations all over the Phoenix valley. Get in touch today!
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