What Is an Endodontist?
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Medically reviewed by Brian T. Luong, DMDMedically reviewed by Brian T. Luong, DMD
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on treating painful issues that affect the tooth's pulp and root. They commonly perform root canals, dental implant surgeries, and other tooth-saving procedures.
Endodontists undergo an additional two or more years of training after four years of dental school to complete advanced studies. You might need to see one if you're experiencing severe tooth decay, infection, or injury.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
Endodontists diagnose and treat complex issues concerning the tissues inside your teeth—known as the pulp and the root. They're experts in finding the cause of and treating severe tooth pain.
Although they are specialized dentists, endodontists typically don't handle general dentistry procedures, like cavity fillings or routine dental cleanings.
It's estimated that less than 3% of dentists are trained as endodontists.
What Conditions Does an Endodontist Diagnose and Treat?
Endodontists are experienced in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating difficult dental conditions that cause tooth and facial pain. Some of the most common include:
Tooth decay: A deep cavity
Tooth abscess: An infection that develops in the teeth, gums, or surrounding mouth tissues
Tooth or oral injury: Any injury that causes severe pain and damage to your teeth and mouth
Cracked tooth: A crack, fracture, or chip in your tooth
Procedures They Perform
As specialists in saving teeth, endodontists are trained in performing root canals and other procedures related to the inside of teeth—treating the tooth pulp and root and reducing pain.
While they may be most known for root canal treatments, they commonly handle routine and complex procedures, such as:
Root canal treatment: The tooth's pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped, and a filling is placed inside the remaining space.
Endodontic retreatment: These procedures are needed to save a tooth when a root canal or other surgery has healed improperly or wasn't successful.
Endodontic surgery: This may be necessary when a root canal isn't enough to save your tooth, calcium deposits in root canals need to be removed, or the tooth's root and surrounding bone are damaged.
Traumatic dental injury procedures: These procedures include fixing issues related to chipped, fractured, dislodged, or knocked-out teeth.
Dental implant placement: A prosthetic tooth (fake) is surgically fused into the gum where a tooth is missing or has been removed.
Tooth extractions: The tooth is completely removed from the gum socket due to pain, infection, or other issues.
When Would You See an Endodontist?
Severe tooth pain, a tooth injury, tooth temperature sensitivity, or facial or oral swelling may be signs that you need to see an endodontist.
Generally, your dentist will refer you to an endodontist after they confirm that you have a specialized dental issue that requires treatment. This usually involves tooth-saving treatment like a root canal or other surgical procedure.
Your Appointment
Your visit with an endodontist will involve medical paperwork, X-rays, a dental examination, and a discussion about your symptoms, medical history, diagnosis, and recommended treatment plan.
How To Prepare
Preparing for your first visit with an endodontist will be similar to preparing for an initial visit with any other healthcare provider. You'll typically be required to bring or provide the following materials:
Your dental insurance card, if applicable
Your medical history and any relevant medical records
A list of your current medications
A record of any previous dental health issues
Your primary dentist's contact information
Signed consent forms
Some dental insurance plans require preauthorization before you can get a referral and make an appointment with a specialist like an endodontist. Check with your plan carrier to see if this is true for you.
What To Expect During Your Visit
After completing the relevant paperwork, you'll prepare for an initial check of your teeth and mouth. This usually involves:
X-rays of your teeth: Taken by a dental assistant, this gives the endodontist a clear visual of what needs treatment.
A discussion with the endodontist: You'll discuss your symptoms and dental and medical history. You can ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.
An examination of your mouth and face: The endodontist uses gloved hands and magnifying tools to view the affected tooth and surrounding oral and facial areas.
Tests: For example, pulp tests evaluate the health of the tooth's pulp. Periapical tests evaluate bite issues (how your upper and lower teeth fit together), the location of the infection, and tooth structural abnormalities.
After the examination, the endodontist will provide you with a diagnosis and relevant information regarding a proposed treatment plan so that you can make a decision about your dental care. There may be multiple options to explore—for example, a tooth extraction and dental implant if you prefer not to move forward with a root canal.
Depending on the severity of your issue, you may be treated right away or schedule a follow-up appointment (or several). Just in case, it's a good idea to be prepared for same-day treatment if needed.
After completing your procedure, the endodontist will order another set of X-rays to evaluate whether the treatment was successful.
A Quick Review
An endodontist is a dental specialist who specializes in diagnosing and treating dental pulp issues. They routinely perform root canals, surgical procedures to address infections or traumatic dental injuries, and the placement of dental implants.
If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, see your dentist for a referral to an endodontist, and check with your dental insurance plan for information about pre-authorizations and coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an endodontist different from a dentist?
An endodontist is a dentist with specialized training in issues affecting the tissues inside teeth. While general dentists typically perform preventive care and routine dental procedures, endodontists focus on tooth-saving diagnoses and treatments, including root canals and other surgeries.
What type of training does an endodontist have?
In addition to earning a bachelor's degree and completing four years of dental school, endodontists undergo at least two years of specialized training in endodontics certification.
Do you need a referral to see an endodontist?
A referral is usually needed to see an endodontist. However, this may vary by insurance plan and other factors, so be sure to check with your insurance and dental health care provider's office to confirm.
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