What Is an Endodontist and What Do They Do?

Endodontists treat conditions that cause tooth pain and affect the pulp or the roots of the teeth. They can address complex conditions and save severely damaged teeth. Some of the most common reasons to see an endodontist include:

• Tooth decay – If proper oral hygiene measures aren’t carried out properly, your teeth become susceptible to decay. While small cavities are usually treated by general dentists, an endodontist’s expertise is needed to address advanced decay, inflammation of the tooth’s pulp (pulpitis), and tissue death (necrosis).
• Tooth injuries – Trauma, resulting from a car accident, sports injury, or hard fall can cause damage to your teeth. Endodontists are specialists in addressing these kinds of concerns.
• Abscess – An abscess is a buildup of pus that forms in the gums, inside the teeth, or in the alveolar bone. This condition causes a swollen, red bump to form in the mouth. Abscesses do not resolve on their own and require endodontic treatment.
• Cracked or infected teeth – Teeth can crack for various reasons, such as regular wear and tear, trauma, or bruxism. If you have a crack in your tooth, bacteria can enter and cause an infection. Endodontists can seal cracks to prevent infection as well as extract the infected tissue to ensure it doesn’t spread.

The most difficult teeth to treat with a root canal are the maxillary molars, specifically the second molars, due to their position in the mouth as well as their complicated root canal system. While these teeth are difficult to do a root canal on, the treatment can be successfully performed by an endodontic specialist.

Due to the complexity of this procedure on maxillary molars, the cost is higher than root canals performed on the front teeth (incisors). In addition, molar root canals tend to be more painful, as these teeth are typically more sensitive than the incisors. If you need a root canal on one of your molars, the experts at Ace Endodontics can help! Schedule a consultation with us to find out what treatment approach is recommended for you.

Teeth toward the back of the mouth, known as posterior teeth, require endodontic treatment more frequently than the teeth closer to the front of the mouth. Specifically, the molars and premolars require endodontic treatment most often. The intricate root canal system these teeth have makes them more susceptible to infections and damage.

In addition, the posterior teeth experience more wear and tear caused by chewing and biting forces, making them more prone to damage such as fractures or cracks. Many people find it more difficult to clean the teeth at the back of their mouth, which results in higher levels of decay and infection in these teeth. In summary, there are various reasons why posterior teeth are treated by endodontists more frequently.

While root canals are highly effective procedures, this approach may not be possible if you’ve been putting treatment off for a long time. Root canal treatments allow endodontists to save damaged or decayed teeth, which is preferable to extractions and dental implants as replacements.

If bacteria have accessed the pulp of the teeth and caused an infection, endodontists can use a root canal treatment to address your symptoms and stop the spread of infection. However, in cases where the deepest layers of the pulp are infected, it may be too late for a root canal to save the tooth. Furthermore, if a large portion of the tooth is damaged or decayed to the point that a crown cannot be placed on top, root canal treatment is not an option.

If your endodontist determines that it’s too late for a root canal, they will outline the treatment approaches that are recommended for you. Most commonly, teeth need to be extracted when a root canal has been put off for too long. To determine which approach is best in your circumstances, schedule an appointment with the experts at Ace Endodontics.

Visiting an endodontist ensures expert care for complex dental issues like severe pain and infections. With specialized training in root canal therapy and pulp treatments, they preserve natural teeth and relieve discomfort. Endodontists utilize advanced techniques to diagnose and treat dental problems effectively, ensuring optimal oral health. Trusting an endodontist means prioritizing precise treatment and long-term dental wellness. For more information contact us or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Afshin Badii, DDS, at Ace Endodontics. We are conveniently located at 11980 San Vicente Blvd Ste 900 Los Angeles, CA 90049. We also serve patients from Brentwood CA, Santa Monica CA, West Los Angeles CA, Beverly Hills CA, West Hollywood CA, Venice CA, Culver City CA, and surrounding areas.