What is an Endodontist Santa Ana, CA
Endodontists are dentists that treat the core of the tooth. They are more knowledgeable about certain dental diseases than general dentists. Endodontists are indispensable for treating tooth pain, performing root canal treatments, and installing dental implants.
Endodontic care is available at South Coast Dental Center in Santa Ana and the surrounding area. Act quickly to save your teeth. Call us today at (714) 604-1599 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Who Can Become an Endodontist
Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on root canal treatment, diagnosing tooth pain, and other procedures involving the tooth’s interior. In addition to completing dental school, endodontists must undergo at least two years of specialist training. This knowledge allows them sometimes to preserve teeth that they would have otherwise lost.
Altogether, endodontists complete six to seven years of postgraduate schooling. Their specialist training focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the dental pulp. This also makes them extraordinarily proficient in pain management and utilizing cutting-edge technologies in their practice.
“In addition to completing dental school, endodontists must also undergo at least two years of specialist training.”
Endodontists vs. Dentists
Although all endodontists must finish dental school, not all dentists must train in endodontics. Thus, while all endodontists are dentists, very few dentists are endodontists. By focusing their expertise on the tooth’s interior, endodontists are typically more experienced in root canal treatments than dentists.
The average endodontist performs 25 root canal treatments per week — a far cry from the average dentist’s two. Furthermore, since endodontists dedicate themselves to diagnosing and treating tooth pain, they also tend to be more skilled in treating difficult-to-diagnose oral and facial pain issues.
“Thus, while all endodontists are dentists, very few dentists are endodontists.”
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 Santa Ana, CA
Severe Endodontic Treatments
Endodontists can also help with more severe issues, such as surgery and dental implant placement. These procedures are often necessary after an initial root canal treatment. Root canal treatments are also not always suitable for every patient. Endodontic surgery and dental implant placement can preserve a tooth for a lifetime.
Occasionally, patients may have small fractures or hidden canals that go undetected by X-rays during an initial root canal treatment. Endodontic surgery can locate these fractures or canals, remove any calcium deposits, and treat any damaged surfaces. If all these measures are inadequate, tooth extraction may be necessary. In such cases, dental implants are the premier tooth replacement option, as they look and function like natural teeth.
“Endodontic surgery and dental implant placement can preserve a tooth for a lifetime.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the qualifications to become an endodontist?
Q. What is the difference between endodontists and dentists?
Q. What are some standard endodontic services?
Q. Can endodontists help with more severe issues?
Q. When should I see the endodontist?
People Also Ask
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
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. Are root canal treatments painful?
A. It is a common misconception that root canal treatments are painful. Thanks to modern technology and anesthetics, the procedure is typically not much more uncomfortable than a cavity filling. Our team will answer all questions and concerns before treatment to help quell dental anxiety.
Q. Can a root canal treatment treat a cracked tooth?
A. It varies on a case-by-case basis. Typically, root canal treatments are reserved for more severely cracked teeth. Other treatment options for more minor cases include bonding, crowns, glue, and fillings.
Q. My tooth is not bothering me. Do I still need root canal treatment?
A. Not all teeth that require root canal treatment will have noticeable symptoms. Infections can be painless, leading affected individuals to believe that they have gone away. Often, routine radiographs and clinical examinations are the only way to ensure whether an infection is present.
Q. What happens after root canal treatment?
A. The endodontist will send a copy of your X-rays and a record of your treatment to your restorative dentist, if applicable. You will need to return to the endodontist’s office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of the treatment. You and your dentist can discuss which restorative option is best for you.
Q. Why is tooth extraction typically the last option?
A. Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option. Though dental implants are generally safe and reliable, they do not have as high of a success rate as a root canal treatment. This is because the natural teeth are already implanted into the jaw.
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 South Coast Dental Center can help. Call us today at 714-604-1599 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2022
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2022
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2022
About our business and website security
- South Coast Dental Center was established in 2004.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Orange County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Tustin, Orange, and Garden Grove
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to South Coast Dental Center on mobile
Back to top of What is an Endodontist
Related Posts
How Invisalign Can Help With Eating And Drinking Options
One question you may have is what you can eat and drink while using Invisalign®. Most people know that patients who get braces cannot eat and drink certain foods. People wonder if it is the same for Invisalign. One big potential detractor for many who want to straighten their teeth is feeling like they cannot…
Invisalign® Teeth Straightening Is Almost Unnoticeable
If you have uneven or crooked teeth, you might be very self-conscious about it. Teeth straightening can correct this issue and give you the smile you want. But, some options are much more noticeable than others. Invisalign® offers effective teeth straightening. It is discreet and almost unnoticeable. Gently correcting the teeth without the obvious flash…
3 Reasons Why A Root Canal Might Be Needed
Root canal therapy is typically performed when a tooth's pulp chamber has been infected, irritated, or inflamed. The procedure involves cleaning out the contents of the pulp chamber, applying medication to the area to dry out any infection, and sealing the tooth with a special type of filling material called gutta-percha.Root canals have earned a…
Less Emergency Orthodontic Visits With Invisalign Than Braces
Patients who choose Invisalign® are generally able to maintain a more normal lifestyle than patients wearing traditional braces. Patients with wire-and-bracket braces, or those who had such braces in the past, likely remember at least one instance in which they had to visit the emergency orthodontist to replace a part or fix a broken wire,…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call South Coast Dental Center on mobile
