If your Dentist has told you that you need to see an Endodontist, you may be wondering what that means. Well, the first thing to say is…. don’t worry!
While the term might sound complex, endodontic treatment is a routine and highly effective way to save natural teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted. In this blog, I’ll explain what endodontic treatment is, why you might need it, and what to do next if your Dentist recommends seeing a Specialist for Endodontic treatment.
What is Endodontic treatment?
Endodontics is a specialised area of dentistry which focusses on treating the inside of the tooth, particularly the dental pulp, which is the soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels. The most common endodontic procedure is root canal treatment, which is designed to remove infection or damage from inside the tooth and preserve your natural tooth structure.
Endodontic treatment can also include procedures such as retreatment of a previous root canal (we call this re-root treatment), apicectomy (root-end surgery), and treatment for traumatic dental injuries.
Why would you need Endodontic treatment?
You may need to see an Endodontist if you experience or have been experiencing:
Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the stimulus is removed
Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
Darkening or discolouration of a tooth
A cracked or chipped tooth
An abscess (a pocket of pus) on the gums
These symptoms often indicate infection or inflammation in the tooth pulp, which requires specialised care. If left untreated, the infection can spread and result in tooth loss or further health complications. This list is just an example of things that may require root canal/endodontic treatment, but your Dentist can check for you and confirm, diagnose and recommend next steps.
What does Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics) involve?
Now this is a common question I get as a Principal Dentist in London. Well, contrary to popular belief, modern root canal treatment is not painful, in fact, it actually relieves the pain caused by infection. During the procedure, the Endodontist will do some or all of the following:
Numb the area to ensure you’re comfortable
Access the pulp chamber through a small opening in the tooth
Clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, removing infected pulp
Fill and seal the root canals to prevent further infection
Recommend a dental crown (often) to protect and restore the tooth - this will be done on separate visits.
So, what’s the likely end result? …. A healthy, pain-free tooth that functions just like a natural one.
What is an Endodontist?
An Endodontist is a Dentist who has undergone additional years of training and/or has additional qualifications in diagnosing and treating issues related to the inside of the tooth.
That’s why if your case is complex or you’ve already had a root canal that hasn’t healed properly or has become infected again, your general Dentist will most likely refer you to an Endodontist for expert, specialist care.
Some patients ask why they can’t have the treatment done by me or their regular Dentist and the answer is simple - at tooth, we will always do what we can for our patients, and that includes giving them the best treatments to create the best prognosis. So, if that means referral to our Endodontist then that is because someone who deals solely in that field, and who has years of experience, uses specialist equipment etc, is more likely to give your tooth a better outcome!
In dentistry, the way that referrals to specialists work is very much the same way that it would be if you were in a hospital. For example, a general doctor would be able to help you with most things, but if you had a more severe illness, for better outcomes you would see a specialist or consultant in that particular area of the body where your issue was.
Endodontists use advanced technology such as operating microscopes and digital imaging to perform procedures with precision and comfort. At tooth we have a Global A1 microscope for our Endodontist which is a market leading brand.
What should you do if your Dentist refers you to an Endodontist?
If your Dentist has recommended Endodontic treatment, it’s important to not delay or hesitate. Early treatment can prevent further damage and increase the likelihood of saving your tooth. At our practice, we offer Specialist Endodontic care at our tooth specialist dental centre, at 26 Lower Marsh in Waterloo, London. And just like everything at tooth dental care, our specialist treatments are always done with the best prices, best service and a gentle, patient-focused approach. You can see all our prices here.
How do I Book a to see an Endodontist?
At tooth dental care in London, we welcome both self-referrals and referrals from Dentists from your regular dental practices. Our experienced team is here to walk you through every step of your treatment — from consultation to recovery.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been advised to see an Endodontist, please don’t wait. We have an expert team and the latest technology to provide comfortable, safe and effective Endodontic treatments. So, contact us today using the buttons below to ask a question or to book a Endodontic Consultation and take the first step toward saving your natural smile.
Dr. Anna x