If you are looking for a specialist near you to help handle your root canal and other specialized oral health issues for the root of your tooth, then you need to find a local endodontist. These specialists have the expertise to help you maintain your natural teeth, without having to worry about the pain of the procedure getting too expensive. Let’s take a look at what an endodontist does and why you may decide you need to make an appointment with an endodontist near you today!
What is an Endodontist vs. Dentist?
The first thing to look at here is the difference between an endodontist and a dentist. While your dentist can help out with some general care of your teeth, including cleaning, x-rays, filling cavities, and other basic procedures, there are times when you may need help with more complicated oral health issues. You may even be looking for an oral surgeon near you to get some surgery done on your teeth. This is where an endodontist can come into play.
Often, the endodontist will have an advanced education. These specialists need at least 2 extra years of education after finishing dental school. This extra study time allows them to focus more on learning about diseases of the dental pulp and some of the best ways to treat them. Because of this additional training, the endodontist will be more specialized and can get the work done fast and with minimal pain.
When you visit an endodontist, you will notice that they can use specialized techniques that will keep you more comfortable during the treatment. This will make it easier to get the treatments you need without having to feel pain or discomfort in the process.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
An endodontist is a specialist in the dental field who will focus more on the roots of the teeth while performing a variety of treatments that are designed to help save your natural teeth as much as possible. If you have oral health problems that include a tooth that is decayed or infected and that damage has been able to infiltrate the root, this can cause pain. You can then work with an endodontist near you to figure out the right treatment option to keep your teeth healthy.
What Procedures Does an Endodontist Perform?
There are several different procedures that an endodontist can work on for you. While the most common procedure is a root canal, you can visit an endodontist near you to help with other issues including:
- To surgically remove roots of the teeth.
- For a consultation for facial trauma patients
- To replace your tooth
- To diagnose and provide treatment for some complex root problems.
- To treat cracked teeth.
You can choose to visit the local endodontist or ask your dentist for a recommendation or referral on who to visit.
Why Would My Dentist Send Me to an Endodontist?
It is possible that, after a routine checkup or going into your doctor for issues with your oral health, your dentist will refer you to an endodontist. Often you are sent over there if you need a root canal but the amount of work is more in-depth than what your dentist can perform. Patients who have pain in their teeth, when their dentist can’t figure out what is causing the pain even after X-rays and other tests, may go to see an endodontist.
Is It Cheaper to Have a Tooth Pulled or a Root Canal?
At first glance, it may seem like having your tooth pulled is less expensive than getting a root canal, and many patients may ask their dentist if this is a possibility. However, a root canal is more cost-effective over time. This is because when you undergo a tooth extraction, you not only need to pull out the tooth, but you need to have an implant or bridge put in to keep the teeth separated and even. A dental implant can cost an additional $3,000 per tooth. This is why getting the root canal done right away may be the less expensive option.
Can I Go Straight to the Endodontist?
It is possible to set up an appointment directly with a local endodontist if you choose. In the past, most endodontists would prefer a referral from your regular dentist before scheduling an appointment with you. However, thanks to online searches, it is easier to find an endodontist near you without needing to get any referrals at all.
Can a Dentist Tell You if You Need a Root Canal?
Your dentist can tell if you need a root canal and some dentists can complete a simple root canal treatment in their offices for you. If there are no complications in your mouth and nothing to worry about when getting the root canal, likely, you will just use your regular dentist to help with the root canal. If the root canal is more complicated or other issues in your mouth could make the root canal a challenge, then working with an endodontist may be a better alternative.
Is an Endodontist the Same as an Oral Surgeon?
An endodontist and an oral surgeon are not the same types of specialists. An endodontist will specialize in treatments for root canals as well as many types of therapies for the mouth and teeth. However, an oral surgeon will specialize in procedures that deal with the jaw, mouth, and sometimes even the whole face. If you need a specialist to treat your root canal, you would go to an endodontist. If you need reconstructive dental work on your mouth, then you would see an oral surgeon.
How do I Find an Endodontist Near Me?
If you and your dentist decide you should visit an endodontist, it is important to find one near you. Our nationwide dental clinic service will enable you to find an endodontist who will be able to take care of your oral health while setting up an appointment that meets your needs. A quick online search or a call to us will make it easy to find the endodontist near you that is best for your needs. Contact us today to get started.