Dentists work hard to keep their patient’s teeth healthy. Up until now, your family dentist has been able to perform most of whatever dental treatments you needed for as long as you’ve been seeing them. If you had a cavity that needed filling, needed a cleaning, or needed a tooth pulled, your dentist was the one you sought out for help. But there may come a time when your dentist refers you to a specialist in an area that they may be best equipped to diagnose and treat. If you’ve been experiencing any unusual sharp pains in one or more of your teeth when you drink hot or cold liquids or have had trauma to your face that involves swelling of the teeth and gums, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. Just like your family dentist, an endodontist is a board-certified dentist but specializes in performing root canals. Just like your family dentist, an endodontist has had four years of dental schooling but has decided to focus their practice on a dental specialty, which requires another two to three years of dental education. This additional training is focused on diseases of the tooth and root canal treatment –a safe, relatively common dental procedure designed to save your tooth at all costs.
What is the function of a General Dentist:
- Diagnose and fill cavities.
- General X-Rays.
- Clean teeth and remove plaque twice per year (usually done by the hygienist).
- Check oral health and perform an oral cancer screening.
- Cosmetic procedures such as tooth whitening, bonding, and crowns.
- Check for bite and jaw issues.
- Refer you to a specialist when tooth or gum pain is difficult to diagnose.
What is the function of an Endodontist:
- Performs root canals. This highly skilled specialist’s main function is to diagnose and perform root canals, a procedure where the bacteria-infected pulp of a tooth is removed, and the tooth is then completely sealed off to harmful bacteria.
- Uncovers difficult to diagnose pain. Sometimes tooth pain is difficult for your general dentist to diagnose and will refer you to a dentist who focuses on specialized care called an endodontist.
- Treats pulp inflammation. An endodontist deals with tooth trauma evident from a sports injury or other injury that has caused facial, tooth, and gum swelling.
- Performs exploratory dental surgery to determine the cause of nerve-related pain.
What causes a root canal?
Your general dentist will refer you to an endodontist most likely if they cannot properly diagnose your tooth pain. Endodontists deal with diagnosing and treating the dental pulp and nerves in your teeth. Because the pulp is the central part of a tooth with living connective tissue and cells, this soft tissue is considered an essential part of a t tooth providing nourishment and signaling pain. A root canal is generally needed when bacteria invade the dental pulp. An endodontist will remove the nerve and its inflamed or infected surrounding pulp and seal it shut, leaving it safe from harmful bacteria invaders. Root canals can be caused by years of decay to a tooth, a cracked or chipped tooth, or a tooth that has been injured, perhaps from a sports injury. Sometimes a crack or chip in a tooth isn’t visible; that’s why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause severe pain and lead to a root canal.
Are you ready to learn more?
You will receive only the best care possible at Long Island Endodontics. From 3-D X-Ray imaging technology to pain-free, computer-guided anesthetic treatment to the use of microscopes that magnify the treatment area more clearly, we pride ourselves on using only the highest-quality technology available in our practice. Our board-certified endodontists Dr. Craig Berry, Wendy Rosen, and Barry Goodman, are considered leaders in their field. Our goal is to make sure your dental experience is always pleasant and comfortable. If you are in pain, don’t wait. Call Long Island Endodontics at (516) 670-1596 and make an appointment with one of our courteous staff today.