What is endodontics?
Endodontics is a word made out of two parts: "endo," which means inside, and "odont," which means tooth. So endodontics deals with the inside of the tooth.
Why would my dentist refer me to an endodontist?
Usually, you would be referred to an endodontist if your dentist suspects that you need a root canal or if there's another issue involving the inside of the tooth that needs a specialist's evaluation. That would be one reason why your dentist might refer you there.
What is the difference between an endodontist and a general dentist?
A general dentist is kind of like your primary care physician, right? If you need to see a specialist, your primary care physician may send you to that specialist. The same idea applies with a general dentist and an endodontist.
A general dentist can do a lot of different procedures, and many dentists actually do root canals on their own patients and don't need to refer every case to an endodontist. But there are also dentists who prefer to refer certain cases to a specialist. An endodontist is a dentist with additional specialty training focused on treating problems involving the dental pulp and tissues around the roots of the teeth, including root canal treatment.
What procedures are done in endodontics?
Usually, the most common procedure is root canal therapy, whether it's initial treatment or retreatment, which means treating a tooth that has previously had a root canal.
There are other procedures, such as an apicoectomy, that can be done by an endodontist. An apicoectomy may be considered when there's a persistent problem involving the area around the end of a tooth's root after previous root canal treatment. But most of the time, when people think about endodontics, they think about root canals.
Can an endodontist pull a tooth?
To become an endodontist, you first have to become a dentist and then complete additional specialty training in endodontics. Tooth extraction isn't the primary focus of endodontics. If a tooth needs to be removed, the endodontist may refer you back to your general dentist or to an oral surgeon, depending on the situation.
How does an endodontist determine if you need a root canal?
There are different types of tests and information that we use. Pain can be one reason why you would see an endodontist, but pain alone doesn't necessarily mean you need a root canal. You may have sensitivity to hot or cold, or you may experience throbbing or pulsating pain. Those symptoms can tell us that something is going on with the tooth and needs to be evaluated.
Sometimes you feel absolutely nothing because the pulp inside the tooth is no longer vital. An X-ray may show changes around the root that indicate there's a problem even though you aren't experiencing symptoms.
The dentist or endodontist will use your symptoms, examination, diagnostic tests, and X-rays to determine what's happening with the tooth and whether root canal therapy is appropriate.
Does insurance cover endodontic procedures?
The answer depends on your individual insurance plan. Some dental insurance plans may cover a percentage of root canal treatment or other endodontic procedures, while others may have different limitations, requirements, or patient costs.
If you're referred for endodontic treatment, it's a good idea to review your benefits so you understand what your plan may cover and what you may be responsible for paying.
If I need a root canal, do I need any other treatment?
You may need additional treatment after a root canal to restore and protect the tooth. Depending on how much tooth structure remains and which tooth is being treated, that could include a filling, a core buildup, or a crown.
In some cases, a post may also be needed to help retain the restoration when there isn't enough remaining tooth structure. Other procedures may occasionally be recommended depending on the condition of the tooth and surrounding gums. The treatment you need after a root canal depends on your individual tooth rather than every patient needing the same set of procedures.
Want to learn more? Call Steinway Family Dental Center at (929) 238-9944 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.