What is an Endodontist or a Root Canal Specialist?

An Endodontist is a dentist who has completed three years of post-graduate training after dental school. They specialize in treating the soft inner tissue of teeth. All dentists are trained in diagnosing endodontic therapy. However, some teeth can be especially difficult to diagnose and treat, and Endodontists have been specifically trained to diagnose and treat these teeth.

What do Endodontists Do?

Root canal therapy is the most common treatment performed by an Endodontist. It may be needed when the tooth’s pulp us infected – often as a result of untreated tooth decay or a traumatic dental injury. You may have been referred to us by your general dentist due to complicating factors making treatment difficult. Endodontists also perform surgical endodontic procedures such as apicoectomies, where infected tissue is removed from the top of the tooth’s root. Additionally, a tooth may need to be retreated when a previous root canal has failed or to treat pulp damage in cases of traumatic dental injury.