While you have likely heard of several dental specialties, such as orthodontics, you may be unfamiliar with the term endodontist. One reason for this is because endodontists are a highly specialized subcategory of dentists. In fact, only about 3 percent of dentists are endodontists, according to the American Association of Endodontists.
Endodontists are dental professionals that focus on diagnosing and treating pain within your tooth. Unlike some other specialties that perform regular dental procedures in addition to unique treatments, endodontists only perform endodontic procedures. This means that they gain additional expertise and experience that is not available at a regular dental office.
What Procedures Do Endodontists Perform?
One of the most commonly known procedures performed by an endodontist is a root canal. While this can be performed by a regular dentist, the endodontist's additional training allows them to complete the root canal with blazing efficiency. According to the AAE, the average dentist may only perform about 2 root canals per week while an endodontist will perform 25 or more.
Endodontists are also well-versed in pain management practices. This skill can help you remain comfortable for the entirety of your procedure, even if you typically have issues staying numb. By focusing on a singular treatment type, endodontists can perform your procedure with higher success rates than a regular dentist.
What Education Do Endodontists Receive?
In order to become an endodontist, our professionals must undergo 2 to 3 years of additional training after dental school. This training focused on treating diseases in the pulp of your teeth. The program functions much like a medical residency and is completed under the direction of a licensed endodontist. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of seeing a skilled endodontist or are ready to schedule an appointment, contact us today.