An endodontist is a dental specialist (root canal specialist) who focuses on the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue) and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. Think of them as the internal medicine doctors of teeth!

What they do:

Endodontists primarily perform root canal treatments. This procedure becomes necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth (even if there's no visible chip or crack).

Beyond root canals, endodontists also:

• Retreat root canals: Sometimes, a root canal-treated tooth can become reinfected.15 Endodontists are skilled in retreating these cases, which can be more complex than the initial treatment.

• Perform endodontic surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to help save a tooth. This can include procedures like apicoectomy (removing the tip of the root) or treating damaged root surfaces.

• Manage dental trauma: They are often involved in treating teeth that have been injured, such as those that have been knocked out or fractured.

• Diagnose and treat dental pain: They can help diagnose and manage complex dental pain that may originate from the pulp or surrounding tissues.

In essence, endodontists are specialists dedicated to saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted. They have undergone additional years of training beyond dental school to develop the specialized skills and knowledge required for these complex procedures.