What is endodontics?

What endodontics means

ADA MouthHealthy describes endodontics as the dental specialty focused on the pulp inside a tooth and the tissues surrounding its roots, and an endodontist as a dentist who specializes in saving teeth. Cleveland Clinic says the pulp is the nerves, blood vessels and tissues deep inside each tooth, and that endodontists aim to relieve pain while saving the natural tooth when possible.

What an endodontist does

The American Association of Endodontists says endodontists diagnose tooth pain and perform root canal treatment and related procedures inside the tooth. ADA MouthHealthy lists routine and complex root canal treatment, endodontic surgery, procedures to save teeth after traumatic injuries, and other difficult problems using advanced imaging and specialized techniques. Cleveland Clinic adds retreatment of earlier root canals that did not heal, surgery such as apicoectomy (removing the tip of a root), emergency dental surgery, and extraction of teeth too damaged to save, and says endodontists also place dental implants.

Can endodontists also do general dentistry?

All endodontists are dentists, so they can provide general dental care such as fillings, cleanings and crowns if they choose to. Cleveland Clinic says endodontists can offer services such as cleanings, whitening, veneers and crowns. Many, however, limit their practice to endodontics, which is how the American Association of Endodontists describes them, saying they focus on the pulp and do not place fillings or clean teeth. So it depends on the individual practice: ask the office what services it provides. After a root canal, Cleveland Clinic says a regular dentist often follows up and may place a crown to protect the tooth.

How endodontists are trained

Endodontists first complete dental school, about four years. ADA MouthHealthy says they then complete two or more years of advanced training in endodontics, Cleveland Clinic says at least two more years, and the American Association of Endodontists says two to three years on one page and two or more on another. Cleveland Clinic and the AAE say less than 3 percent of dentists become endodontists. The AAE also says an endodontist completes an average of 25 root canal treatments a week, compared with about two for a typical general dentist, which is the association's own figure.

When to see an endodontist

Cleveland Clinic says to see one for tooth pain that lingers or gets worse, unexplained pain in the mouth or jaw, sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets, and swelling or inflammation near affected teeth or gums, and to get immediate care after a mouth injury or if you have signs of infection such as fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or redness or swelling spreading to the cheek. The AAE says you can visit your dentist first, and also says you can make an appointment with an endodontist directly, although your dentist may refer you.

Endodontist or oral surgeon?

Cleveland Clinic says an endodontist focuses on problems inside the tooth, while an oral surgeon performs complex surgery on the teeth, gums or jawbone, including maxillofacial surgeons, who remove wisdom teeth. If you are not sure which you need, your dentist can advise.

What happens at a root canal

A root canal treats the pulp inside the tooth. Cleveland Clinic's fillings page notes that a throbbing toothache can mean decay has reached the pulp and a root canal may be needed. Our guide on cavities explains how decay progresses, and our root canal cost guide explains how quotes are built.

Questions to ask before an endodontic visit

A short list of questions makes the visit easier to plan and the quote easier to compare.

• Which tooth is being treated, and what is the diagnosis?
• Will the endodontist place the final filling or crown, or will my general dentist?
• Is the exam and any imaging included in the estimate, and what would change it?
• What follow-up is expected, and who do I call if pain returns?
• If the tooth cannot be saved, what are the alternatives?

Frequently asked questions