WHEN FACED WITH a tooth infection, choosing the right dental specialist is crucial. An endodontist, a dentist with specialized training in treating tooth pain and performing root canal therapy, is often your best option for saving an infected tooth. Understanding why an endodontist is ideally suited for this task can help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
Specialized Expertise
Endodontists are dentists who undergo an additional two to three years of advanced training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment and other procedures related to the interior of the tooth. This specialized training equips them with the skills necessary to handle complex cases and to use advanced techniques that general dentists may not be trained in.
Advanced Technological Proficiency
Endodontists use state-of-the-art technology to treat tooth infections with precision and care. Technologies such as digital imaging and operating microscopes enhance their ability to see fine details inside the teeth that are invisible to the naked eye. This high level of precision improves the effectiveness of treatment and increases the likelihood of saving the tooth.
Efficiency in Treatment
Because endodontists focus solely on endodontic treatments, they are extremely efficient at procedures like root canals. An average endodontist performs 25 root canal treatments a week, compared to general dentists who might only do two. This high level of practice leads to faster procedures, which not only shortens the time you spend in the chair but also optimizes healing time.
Better Pain Management
Endodontists are experts in managing pain that originates inside the tooth. They are knowledgeable about the latest advances in pain management and equipped to perform treatments with minimal discomfort. In many cases, procedures performed by endodontists are typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed.
Focus on Saving the Tooth
Endodontists are committed to saving your natural teeth whenever possible. Saving your natural tooth with root canal therapy has many advantages including efficient chewing, normal biting force and sensation, natural appearance, and protection of other teeth from excessive wear or strain. When preservation of your natural teeth isn’t feasible, endodontists can perform surgeries such as apicoectomies (which involve the removal of the tip of the root) to maintain the tooth structure.
High Success Rates
Root canal treatments performed by endodontists have a very high success rate; studies show that when done by a specialist, the procedure has more than a 95% success rate. Many teeth fixed by an endodontist last a lifetime, which makes this option a cost-effective way to treat teeth with diseased nerves and infection.
Choose Expert Care for Your Teeth
Choosing an endodontist to handle your tooth infection maximizes the chances of saving the tooth while minimizing pain and treatment time. Their specialized training, combined with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, ensures that you receive the highest standard of care. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, consulting with an endodontist is a crucial step towards restoring your oral health and maintaining your natural smile.
