Why Your Dentist May Refer You To An Endodontist

It’s normal to feel nervous about dental care. About 20% of patients report a significant amount of anxiety when seeing the dentist. That’s why the dental team at Eriks Dental Group takes the extra time to walk you through everything and to ensure your dentist visit is as stress-free as possible.

But even with comfort measures, hearing that your dentist is referring you to an endodontist can put you on pins and needles all over again. There’s no need to worry! Referring you to an endodontist means that your dentist wants the best possible care for your tooth. Endodontists go above and beyond to save your tooth, and endodontic treatment is often as pain-free as your regular dental care.

We’ll explain what an endodontist does and why your dentist may have referred you for endodontic care.

What Does an Endodontist Do?

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the pulp. To become an endodontist, a dentist must go to school for an additional two to three years and complete an endodontic residency. Only 3% of dentists go on to become endodontists.

Why the Pulp of Your Tooth May Need Specialized Care

Most dental procedures treat the outer portion of the tooth and gums. When dental issues occur in the pulp, the tooth is most at risk of loss. Modern treatments require advanced technology and specialized training to preserve natural teeth. Just like with other medical professionals, an endodontist pursues additional training to treat these complex issues.

Basic Anatomy of a Tooth

We may only see the hard enamel of the tooth. But anyone who has had a cavity knows there is sensitive tissue hidden away within the tooth. In fact, the anatomy of teeth is more complex than our smiles would suggest.

The top part of the tooth, the enamel, is the part people spend most time caring for. It contributes to our smile, and when it’s healthy, we’re less likely to require fillings and other dental care.

Just under the tooth’s enamel is a calcified middle layer called the dentin. The dentin is softer than the enamel, but it’s still hard enough to protect the pulp.

Within the dentin is the tooth’s pulp. This soft tissue contains the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue of the tooth.

Why the Pulp Becomes Infected or Inflamed

Sometimes, the pulp becomes infected or inflamed. When this happens, the infection could damage surrounding bone, tissue, and even other teeth. If the infection isn’t promptly treated with a root canal, there’s a high likelihood you will lose the tooth.

• Untreated cavities will allow bacteria to eat through the tooth layers and reach the pulp.
• A fractured tooth will expose the pulp to bacteria.
• Severe gum disease can allow invasive bacteria to enter the pulp below the gum line.
• Long-term tooth grinding can damage the tooth and lead to pulp infections.

Why Tooth Pulp Problems May Require an Endodontist

If your dentist has referred you to an endodontist, it’s because she wants the best possible outcome for your tooth. An endodontist has the specialized training, equipment, and experience to save your tooth from extraction or loss.

A Root Canal Is the Most Common Reason for Endodontic Care

A root canal is the most common treatment for inflamed or infected pulp. And that’s why the majority of endodontic referrals are for root canal treatment.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that saves the tooth by removing the infected pulp. It’s important to note that the tooth’s pulp was essential for delivering nutrients to your growing teeth when you were a child. Removing the pulp from fully formed, adult teeth will have no adverse effect on your ability to chew.

During a root canal, an endodontist opens a hole in the top of the tooth to expose the infected pulp. He removes the pulp. Then, he cleans, disinfects, and shapes the canal. The canals are then sealed to prevent any reinfection.

Why Does My Root Canal Require an Endodontist?

All dentists can perform root canals, in fact, many dentists perform one or two root canals a week. However, endodontists can often perform 25 to 30 root canals a week. They have more experience, especially if the root canal has any of the following complications.

• Complex tooth anatomy, such as narrow or extra canals
• Severe dental issues, like an abscess or cracked teeth
• A previous failed root canal, which requires a more complex procedure

Are Root Canals Painful?

No, root canal procedures are not painful. Your endodontist will numb the tooth and gums so that you don’t feel pain. Root canals make patients feel better because by treating the source of their dental pain.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Root Canal?

Full recovery takes about three to five days. But you’ll be able to return to normal activities within a day or two. Recovery from complex root canals may take a little longer.

You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your endodontist. At that time, he’ll put a permanent crown or filling on your tooth.

Will a Root Canal Save Your Tooth?

The primary objective of a root canal procedure is to save your tooth. Left untreated, infected pulp will almost always lead to tooth loss. Even worse, it may damage the surrounding bone, tissue, and nearby teeth.

Other Reasons Your Dentist May Refer You to an Endodontist

Referrals for root canals are the most common reason your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. But they’re not the only reason. In dentistry, endodontists are experts at saving teeth from extraction.

Some other reasons you might need to see an endodontist include:

• Cracked teeth can leave the pulp vulnerable to infection. Endodontists are able to detect the smallest cracks and repair them before the pulp becomes damaged.
• Trauma, like from an accident, can cause unseen, internal damage to teeth. An endodontist can evaluate injured teeth and manage damage to prevent tooth loss.
• Difficult-to-diagnose pain may be referred to an endodontist, who has specialized training and equipment to spot hidden issues.

Endodontic Care at Eriks Dental Group

Eriks Dental Group is proud to have an in-house endodontic team to address your pulp-related dental issues. Receiving a referral for an endodontist doesn’t need to be a stressful time. Our friendly, expert dental care team will work with you to address your concerns and fears. Schedule an appointment online with our office or call 561-733-4004 today.