Most people have never heard the word “endodontist” until their dentist uses it, and it’s typically in the context of them needing a root canal. Why do you need to go see a special type of dentist to perform a routine procedure you’ve heard about your entire life? Can’t your general dentist do it? In truth, an endodontist offers the most reliable and straightforward way to take care of your tooth and get you out of pain, but what exactly are they? What makes them different than your regular dentist?
What is An Endodontist?
An endodontist is a type of dentist, more specifically a dental specialist. You’ve probably heard of an orthodontist, a dentist that focuses on straightening the teeth. Well, an endodontist is an expert when it comes to treating the interior of a tooth when it has developed an infection. Similar to other specialties in the medical world, a person has to graduate from dental school and then complete another two to three years of specialty training in order to become an endodontist.
Why You Want an Endodontist for Your Root Canal
You probably know that the outer layer of your tooth is called the enamel, but what’s inside it? At the center of every tooth is a collection of blood vessels and nerve tissue collectively referred to as the dental pulp. A cavity typically starts on the enamel, and if the bacteria responsible is able to reach the pulp, this can lead to infection, swelling, and quite a bit of pain.
To relieve this and save your tooth, a root canal is the go-to procedure. For this, the pulp is removed, the interior of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then it’s filled and topped with a crown.
While this sounds straightforward, a root canal is actually a technique-intensive procedure. You don’t need a dental degree to know that the inside of a tooth is extremely small, and working with sensitive nerve tissue requires a special touch as well. The pulp extends into the roots of your teeth which are made up of various narrow canals. If the tissue isn’t properly removed, the infection (and pain) may come back, meaning you’ll have to go back to the dentist.
While a general dentist may perform a root canal a few times a month at most, an endodontist has literally trained to just do this treatment and essentially does it all day, every day. Their experience and skill are unmatched when it comes to this type of care, meaning your comfort and health couldn’t be in better hands. They are also able to handle more complicated cases and drastically reduce the risk of you needing retreatment.
Take a Deep Breath
Going to an endodontist means that your toothache (and the risk of losing your tooth altogether) will soon be behind you, and you’ll quickly get back to not having to really think about your teeth throughout the day. While your general dentist can handle the majority of your oral care, when it comes to something as complex as a root canal, even they know it’s best to trust an expert.
About Endodontic Group of Jersey City
Endodontic Group of Jersey City is led by multiple certified endodontists whose skill is only overshadowed by their empathy for their patients. They understand that no one looks forward to a root canal, so they combine their experience with the latest techniques and technology to help patients get what they need and get back to their lives as quickly as possible. If you’re ready to make your tooth pain go and stay away, reach out today to request an appointment or call (201) 484-5404.