What is Endodontics in Dentistry?

Have you ever gone to a dentist, only for that dentist to refer you to another dentist? It can get a bit confusing why your dentist would do such a thing, but chances are, you’re facing a condition that only an endodontist can handle. 

Endodontics is a branch in dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating the tooth pulp, which is the inner part of the tooth. While all endodontists are dentists, not all dentists are endodontists. An endodontist is a specialist dentist with a few more years of study in them.

This article will look at who an endodontist is, their field of study, and the type of conditions they are qualified to handle .

What is Endodontics?

Just like there are different areas of medicine, there are also varieties in dentistry. Endodontics is the area of dentistry that deals with diagnosing and treating tooth pulp. The enamel is pretty strong and rigid and acts as a shell. But inside this shell is a network of nerves and blood vessels that make up the tooth pulp. Endodontics specializes in dealing with this section of the tooth, while an ordinary dentist deals with the ‘shell’ or the enamel.

Who is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist but with a few more years of study. This study focuses on tooth pulp, which turns out to become their primary career. If you have had cavities, tooth sensitivity, or a toothache, an endodontist is a person that is qualified enough to handle this problem. Although it’s not a requirement, a lot of dentists are currently practicing both areas of dentistry, like the Glenview dentists .

Which Procedures do Endodontists Perform?

Endodontists are qualified to perform all dentistry procedures in addition to treating the tooth pulp. They’re the type of dentists you go to when you have tooth sensitivity or a toothache. 

Here are some conditions that an endodontist is capable of handling:

1. Root canal treatment – It’s the most common dental treatment for people experiencing toothache. A toothache occurs if the inner part of the tooth is exposed to elements or has been infected by bacteria in our mouth.

2. Dental implants – If a tooth cannot be saved or losing it is inevitable, a dental implants is required. It involves replacing the entire tooth roots.

3. Endodontic surgery – It’s a surgical procedure used when root canal treatment is not sufficient enough. It requires using surgical means to locate tooth pulp problems.

4. Endodontic retreatment – Although endodontic treatment is 98% sufficient, there are cases where the tooth didn’t heal well or developed complications. That’s where endodontic retreatment is required. It’s redoing the previous endodontic treatment on the affected tooth.

Although some of these procedures might sound painful and complex, technological innovations have made them easy to execute, painless, and take little time as well. An endodontist is also required to keep abreast with all technological innovations and carry out procedures using them. Additionally, they’re expected to know about recent research and discoveries to remain relevant in their field of work.

Is an Endodontics Procedure Expensive?

The type of endodontics procedure you’d require depends on the tooth condition. It also depends on the tooth that requires treatment. For instance, root canal treatment could cost upwards of $1500 for molars, $1000 for premolars, and $950 for canines and incisors.  They charge per tooth. 

You’ll find that endodontics procedures are relatively more expensive than ordinary dental procedures since they’re delicate to perform and are invasive. Such procedures require steady hands to execute, and as such, you must be careful about the endodontics you choose. 

Are Endodontics Procedures Effective?

Endodontics procedures such as root canal treatments have a 98% effectiveness rate, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Dental implants are also 95% effective, with most endodontists using this procedure to replace a lost tooth. 

Although rare, there are cases where an endodontics procedure doesn’t turn out as expected. When this happens, it’s paramount to seek out dental services as soon as possible. 

Final Thoughts

Endodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating the inner part of a tooth. Endodontists are dentists, but apart from receiving traditional dental training, they also add in a few years to learn about tooth pulp. Endodontists can handle procedures like root canal treatment, endodontic treatment, and dental implants. 

Endodontic procedures are very effective, with most of them being 95% effective or more. Endodontic procedures can also last a lifetime, but only with proper care. An endodontic procedure can cost as much as $1500, and endodontists charge by the tooth.

For endodontic concerns in Glenview, Glenlake Dental Care have the experience and expertise to treat your needs. We offer a variety of endodontic treatments that can help restore damaged teeth and improve your oral health. Schedule an appointment with our caring and compassionate dentist Glenview Dr. Eric Lim today by giving us a call at (847) 892-4696.