[Crosio15]

An Endodontist is a dentists who have specialized in this field. Typically they have completed an additional 2-3 years of training following dental school. Many endodontic residents do original research and earn a Master’s degree as well as a specialty certificate. They specialize and limit their practice to root canal therapy and root canal surgery, and use their special training and experience in treating difficult cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked anals, or unusual anatomy. Endodontists may use advanced technology, such as operating microscopes, ultrasonics and digital imaging, to perform these special services, and often have great experience in successfully treating patient who present in pain. Patients requiring root canal therapy are either referred by their general dentists to the Endodontist or are self referred. Root canal therapy is also a standard procedure for general dentists.

When performed by a specialist, most root canals can be performed in one appointment, depending upon the complexity of the case. Endodontists are experts at using local anesthetics to make the procedure virtually pain-free. It is considered a standard of care to use a rubber dam in order to isolate the tooth and provide a clean environment. An opening then is made on the top of the tooth. Then the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned and shaped for filling and sealing. Often, an intra-pulpal medicament to inhibit bacterial growth is placed and the tooth is filled with a temporary restoration until the second appointment, where the temporary restoration and medicament are removed and the canal(s) are sealed with a root-filling material, ususally gutta-percha, thus completing the procedure. Endodontists then refer patients back to their general dentist for placement of a permanent crown or other restoration. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.