Endodontist

An endodontist is special type of dentist that works to save your natural teeth and eliminate dental pain through different procedures that involve the pulp (nerve) and root of teeth. Usually you’ll be referred to an endodontist if your general dentist suspects you need a root canal.

Do I Need to See an Endodontist?

Endodontists are experts at treating dental pain. If you experience tooth pain, especially while eating or applying pressure, you should schedule an appointment. You should also consider a visit if you have:

  • Swelling or tenderness in gums
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold
  • A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
  • Discoloration of a tooth

Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal ProcedureRoot canals are one of the most common dental procedures performed, though they are among the most dreaded. However, many times it is the only way to relieve persistent tooth pain.

They typically follow these steps:

  1. X-rays will be taken, allowing your dentist to assess the damage to the tooth and check for signs of infection in the bone surrounding the tooth.
  2. The area will be numbed using a local anesthetic.
  3. An access hole will be made at the top of your tooth.
  4. The pulp will be cleaned out through the access hole.
  5. Your endodontist will either seal the tooth or leave it open and allow it to drain for some time.

Other Endodontic Procedures

  • Endodontic Retreatment: Root canal typically has a 90% success rate, however, complications may occur such as failure to heal and continued pain. In these circumstances, your endodontist will have to reopen the tooth to see what the issue is.
  • Pulp Vitality Testing: This procedure may be used to determine if a tooth needs a root canal by diagnosing the overall health of your teeth’s pulp (nerves).
  • Apicoectomy: Also known as a root end resection, this is a surgery that helps to save damaged teeth by removing the decayed tissue and the tip of the offending root.

Schedule Your Endodontist Appointment

Colorado Endodontic Group logoAppletree Dental partners with Colorado Endodontic Group. If your dentist thinks you need to see an endodontist, we can refer you right to Colorado Endodontic Group to see one of their specialists.

Not sure if you need to see an endodontist? Give our office a call at 303-255-4855 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule your visit today! If you are in extreme pain, don’t wait: take advantage of our emergency dental services.