Endodontist

An endodontist is a type of dental specialist that treats dental pain and works to save your natural teeth through procedures that involved the pulp (nerve) and root of teeth. Typically you will be recommended to see one if you need a root canal, though they perform other procedures as well.

Do I Need to Visit an Endodontist?

If you are experiencing tooth pain, especially while eating or putting pressure on the area, you will likely be referred to an endodontist by your general dentist. You may also need to see an endodontist if you have:

  • Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Tender or swelling gums near a tooth that is causing pain
  • Teeth that are beginning to darken

The Root Canal Procedure

Root Canal ProcedureThough most patients dread the thought of getting a root canal, it is often the only way to relieve consistent tooth pain without losing the tooth altogether. It’s also a very common dental procedure that helps to save your teeth.

The process of root canal treatment frequently follows these steps:

  1. X-rays are taken so the dentist can assess the damage to the tooth and to see if there is any sign of infection in the surrounding bone.
  2. The endodontist will use local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth.
  3. The endodontist makes an access hole in the top of the tooth.
  4. The pulp is cleaned out of the tooth through the access hole.
  5. The tooth is sealed. Sometimes this can be done the same day, but often the dentist may wait and medicate the tooth for some time before sealing.

Other Endodontic Procedures

  • Endodontic Retreatment: Though root canal treatment has a 90% success rate, it is possible for the therapy to fail to heal or for pain to continue. If this happens, the endodontist will reopen the tooth to determine what went wrong.
  • Pulp Vitality Testing: This testing is done to diagnose the health of the pulp (nerve) of your teeth and help determine if a root canal is necessary.

Schedule Your Endodontist Appointment

Colorado Endodontic Group logoColorado Dental Group is partnered with the specialists of Colorado Endodontic Group to offer a range of endodontic treatments at our office. Our endodontists and dentists work closely together to make sure you’re getting the treatment that’s right for you. We also offer sedation options if needed.

Give our office a call at 719-355-2700, stop by our Colorado Springs office, or fill out our appointment request form to schedule your visit today! If your dental pain is extreme and it can’t wait, take advantage of our emergency dental services.