Endodontist

If your dentist refers you to an endodontist, it’s most likely to determine if you need a root canal. Endodontists are dentists that specialize in saving your natural teeth and relieving dental pain.

Do I Need to Visit an Endodontist?

If you are experiencing tooth pain—particularly when eating or putting pressure on a specific area of your mouth—you should consider making an appointment. You also may want to see one if you notice:

  • Discoloration of the tooth
  • Sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Sensitivity in the gum near a troublesome tooth

Root Canal Procedures

Root Canal ProcedureRoot canals have a reputation for being the dental procedure everyone dreads, but it’s actually a very common treatment. Though many dentists are able to complete root canals, in some more serious cases the procedures require a trained and certified endodontist. These individuals go through additional schooling to specialize in these types of treatments.

The root canal process typically follows this order:

  1. X-rays are taken to identify any tooth damage.
  2. Local anesthetic is administered to numb the area and prevent any pain.
  3. An opening is made in the crown of the tooth and decayed pulp is cleaned out.
  4. Depending on the situation, the tooth may be left open to drain before it is filled or sealed. In other cases, a temporary filling may be put in the tooth.

What Other Procedures Do Endodontists Do?

  • Endodontic Retreatment: While nonsurgical root canal therapy has a success rate of 90%, things can still sometimes go wrong. The treatment may fail to heal or the pain still might not have gone away. In this case, your endodontist will re-treat your tooth by reopening it to access the filling material and see what the problem is.
  • Pulp Vitality Testing: This test can help determine if a root canal is needed by getting to know the overall health of your teeth’s pulp (nerves).
  • Apicoectomy: This surgical procedure—also known as a root end resection—is performed to save damaged teeth that a root canal can’t treat. It removes both the decayed pulp as well as the tip of the root.

Schedule an Appointment with an Endodontist

Colorado Endodontic Group logoLone Tree Modern Dental and Colorado Endodontic Group are partnered together to offer extensive endodontic services in-house. Our specialists and dentists work to devise a treatment plan that’s best for you. If needed, we also offer sedation options.

Call us at 720-923-2877 or fill out our appointment request form to schedule an appointment today! In cases of extreme pain, we also offer emergency dental services.