An endodontist works to save their patient’s natural teeth and help their patients by relieving pain caused by trauma or bacterial infection. In this article, we will discuss the skills and training needed to become an endodontist and explain how an endodontist performs one of their most common procedures: a root canal.
What Does It Take To Become An Endodontist?
In order to specialize in endodontics, you will need to complete at least 10 to 11 years of schooling after high school. First, you must earn an undergraduate degree (this usually takes four years) and then complete dental school (another four-year program). You can also complete graduate school if you choose, which would add at least two years to your education plan. Once you have completed these education requirements and hold a DMD or DDS degree from an accredited dental school, you can begin working on your endodontics specialty. Finally, you will need two to three years to complete your endodontic training and residency
You will need to apply for an endodontics residency. Application requirements will likely require that you must
- Have a DDS or DMD dental degree from an accredited dental school
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Pass the National Board Dental Exam by the due date of your residency application
Some residency programs require additional application materials, such as
- Completing an online PASS application
- Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)
- National Board scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results if you are an international student
Once you are done with your endodontics specialty training and residency, you can begin your search for a practice where you can begin your career. You will need to submit your resume and a copy of your dental license. There will also be an interview during which you will meet the rest of the dental staff and see if you can all work well together. If the interview goes well, you can begin your career as an endodontist.
How an Endodontist Performs a Root Canal
One of the most common procedures that an endodontist does is a root canal. In this section, we will explain a root canal procedure and how it is performed.
What Is A Root Canal And Why Is It Needed?
The purpose of a root canal (also called endodontic treatment) is to remove the infected or swollen pulp (the soft tissue deep inside your tooth), clean and disinfect your tooth, and then fill and seal your tooth. This procedure can prevent your tooth from becoming infected again and save your natural tooth so that you do not need to have the affected tooth pulled and replaced with a false tooth
You will need a root canal if you have a chipped or cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or issues with a previous filling. One sign you need a root canal is if a tooth is sensitive to hot or cold foods or drinks. Other signs include severe pain while biting and chewing and dark, decayed, swollen, or tender gums.
What Are The Steps of a Root Canal?
A root canal procedure usually takes one or two appointments to complete. There are four steps to a root canal
- Preparation: An endodontist will examine your tooth, take x-rays, and numb your tooth. Once the tooth is numb, they will place a protective dental dam over the surrounding area. This isolates the tooth and keeps saliva and debris away during the procedure.
- Cleaning: Then the endodontist will make a hole in the tooth to access the pulp and root. They will use tiny tools to clean out the pulp chamber and root canal and make space for the filling.
- Filling: Endodontists use a rubbery biocompatible material called gutta-percha to fill the root canal. The gutta-percha is kept in place by an adhesive cement.
- Restoration: The endodontist is likely only to place a temporary filling and allow a dentist to put in the permanent filling when they restore the tooth with a crown or another type of restoration.
Modern root canals are not usually very painful, and the procedure is similar to having a cavity filled.
How and Where To Get a Root Canal
Eriks Dental Group in Boynton Beach, Florida, is the Official Sponsor of Smiles
We offer root canal treatment to save your natural teeth and other dentistry services, such as teeth cleanings and whitening, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, crowns, fillings, and implants
Feel free to call us at 561-733-4004 or make an appointment online. Our experts look forward to serving you and relieving your pain.