Most of us are familiar with dentists and orthodontists, so what is an endodontist, and should you search for one when looking for dental care in Sharpstown? An endodontist is a dental specialist that chose to pursue additional training to specialize in root canals and restorative dentistry.
This specialization helps an endodontist diagnose and treat tooth pain originating from the tooth’s interior. To earn this title, an endodontist goes to school for two to three years longer than a general dentist does.
Why Choose an Endodontist?
A regular dentist can perform root canal treatment and other dental procedures, but they don’t have the additional training to treat dental pulp diseases. Dental pulp is the soft tissues inside the tooth that can become infected, causing the loss of natural teeth and the need for dental crowns and bridges or implants.
An endodontist will also be highly skilled at pain management and help ensure you’re comfortable during endodontic surgeries. These specialists get the experience to complement the training they start with. An endodontist can complete over 20 root canals in a week because of their advanced training, instead of one here or there.
When you pick an endodontist to help diagnose and treat your tooth pain, they’ve probably already seen a case like yours recently and know exactly what to do to make you feel better.
Endodontists Are Dental Specialists Who Save Teeth!
Endodontic treatment is meant to save teeth! Even if you’ve previously had a restorative procedure, you should get in touch with Lovett Dental Sharpstown if your tooth is still hurting. We will work with you to improve your overall oral health and make a plan for dental restoration, whether that means fillings or something more complex like root canal therapy.
Our staff has many types of dental specialty between us, so you know you’re in good hands. We have endodontic specialists who know how to use the advanced tools that make performing a root canal or other endodontic procedure more comfortable for you.
Your natural teeth are the best teeth for your smile. When you are referred to an endodontist by a regular dentist, it might be because they know that you will have a higher success rate from your procedure by seeing a specialist. Some teeth, particularly the molars in the far back, are harder to access, making a specialist’s additional training helpful for property correcting the issue.
Do I Need an Endodontist?
Your general dentist might refer you to an endodontist for restorative dentistry if they think a specialist will have a better chance of saving your tooth, and that is always the goal! Extractions, while a fast and inexpensive solution comparatively, can cause other long-term problems for your teeth.
Some problems that might mean it is time to see an endodontist:
- If your gums or face is swelling around a painful tooth
- If you’re experiencing sensitivity and pain to hot or cold
- If you’ve cracked a tooth
- If there are signs of infection such as discoloration or pus
- If you’ve had an injury to your teeth that is causing pain
- If your dentist refers you
If any of these situations sound like something you’re experiencing, give Lovett Dental Sharpstown a call, and we can get you in for an exam. You won’t always need to see an endodontist, but a professional should examine tooth pain because it could be a sign that something needs to be addressed.
Choose Lovett Dental Sharpstown as Your Endodontist
If you need an endodontist for restorative dentistry, either complete our secure online form or call Lovett Dental Sharpstown at 281-975-5560. We’ll build a treatment plan with you that will help solve your tooth pain troubles so that you can be pain-free and smiling!