What Is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a highly specialized dentist who has completed the general education and practical training that's required for a general dentist. They've also completed several years of additional training in the diagnosis, causes, and treatment of complex dental issues such as abscessed teeth or root canals. An endodontist can frequently salvage a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. An endodontist focuses on the pulp and interior of the tooth, whereas a general dentist focuses primarily on the structure and exterior of the tooth. Generally, an endodontist doesn't perform general dentistry procedures, although they are licensed to do so.

When Would I Need an Endodontist Rather Than a General Dentist?

If you need a professional exam and teeth cleaning, an oral cancer screening, routine cavities filled, or a filling replaced, then your general dentist can help you. General dentists perform these procedures millions of times annually, but endodontists don't usually perform them at all.

However, if you have a severe toothache, for example, then the soft, pulpy interior of your tooth may be inflamed, but there can be several causes for the inflammation. An endodontist is trained to ascertain the cause of the inflammation and perform the treatment necessary to eliminate it. Root canals are common procedures performed by endodontists, but an inflamed tooth might need other corrective procedures.

Although general dentists can perform routine root canals, complex or complicated cases are often referred to an endodontist. The following are types of treatments frequently performed by endodontists:

• Root Canal: A root canal removes bacteria and decayed tissue from the tooth's root, which can salvage a tooth that would otherwise need extraction. The diseased tissue is removed, the canals are then disinfected and rinsed, and then filled with a flexible substance called gutta-percha. More than four million root canals are performed annually, and they alleviate pain while restoring functionality to the tooth. A general dentist may perform one or two root canals weekly, while an endodontist performs twenty or more root canals weekly.
• Root Canal Retreatment: Sometimes, for various reasons, a root canal may need to be redone. This can occur because the previous root canal didn't heal correctly, there might have been an infection, or one of the root canals was missed. Some teeth can have more than one root, and your endodontist can treat the missed root. No matter the cause, an endodontist can perform a second root canal to restore functionality to your tooth.
• Traumatic Injury: If you've suffered a traumatic injury to one or more teeth, whether from an accident or other cause, then you may need to consult with an endodontist in order to save your teeth. While a general dentist can help with fillings or crowns, if you want to save your natural teeth, an endodontist is your best option.
• Endodontic Surgery: If a second root canal isn't feasible, you may need endodontic surgery or an apicoectomy to save your tooth. Typically, this procedure is used for a cracked tooth, persistent infection, or another reason.
• Cracked Tooth Treatment: Treatment for a cracked tooth will vary widely depending on the location of the tooth, the type of crack, and the extent of the crack. Cracks in teeth can't be removed, but your Woodbridge endodontist can recommend the best treatment to restore functionality and the longevity of your tooth.
• Abscessed Teeth: If you had an infected tooth that you ignored and it has become an abscessed tooth, then an endodontist can clean and disinfect your tooth and then perform a root canal to save the structure of your tooth. If you have an infected tooth, don't ignore it until it becomes an abscess, which can be a life-threatening condition.

If you need endodontic treatments in Woodbridge, then call our office for an appointment, and we can help you.

What Should I Expect From an Endodontic Appointment?

Although many of our patients are apprehensive about their appointment, our friendly office staff will do their best to make you comfortable and allay your apprehensions. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them. We want to make you as confident and comfortable as possible.

When you arrive, we'll take x-rays of your teeth if your general dentist hasn't forwarded yours from their office. Your endodontist will review the x-rays, show them to you, explain the problem areas in your teeth, and then explain your treatment options. Be sure to ask all questions you may have, don't feel shy or hesitant about asking questions. It's the only way we can ensure you're comfortable.

We use state-of-the-art equipment and technology so you'll receive the best possible treatment, and we'll follow up with you after your procedure to ensure that all is progressing well. If, after your treatment, you have any issues, be sure to contact our Woodbridge office without delay. Our goal is to save your natural teeth while eliminating your pain and discomfort. The only way we can do that is with input from you, so if you have any issues before, during, or after your procedure, be sure to let us know.

Why Should I Select Your Office?

We take pride in our reputation of being one of the best in the area, and we strive to provide our patients with the best endodontic experience possible. Endodontists perform almost six million procedures annually. We ensure we keep current on the latest research, technology, and techniques to provide the best treatments to our patients.

Need an Appointment With an Endodontist?

If you need to schedule an appointment with one of the best endodontists in the Woodbridge area, then call Northern Virginia Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates in Woodbridge at (703) 634-4238, and we can help you. We understand you have many options, but we want to be your endodontist for life, so call us first.

We look forward to speaking with you and working with you.