When your dentist suggests seeing an endodontist, it’s not a reason for alarm but rather a sign they’re prioritizing your dental health. Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on treating the inside of teeth—specifically the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots. While general dentists are qualified to perform many procedures, there are specific situations where the specialized training and equipment of an endodontist can provide optimal care for complex dental issues.
At Liv Endodontics, our team of specialists serves patients throughout New Jersey, with offices in Livingston and Summit. All of our doctors are professors at NYU College of Dentistry, bringing academic expertise to every patient interaction. We work closely with referring dentists to ensure seamless care when you need specialized treatment for the inner structures of your teeth.
Complex Root Canal Treatments
Not all root canals are created equal. While many general dentists routinely perform straightforward root canal procedures, certain cases require specialized care.
Some teeth have complex anatomy that makes treatment challenging. Molars, in particular, can have curved, narrow, or multiple canals that are difficult to navigate without specialized equipment. Endodontists use surgical microscopes, ultrasonic instruments, and 3D imaging to see and treat these intricate areas effectively.
If a tooth has calcified canals (where the canals have narrowed due to aging or trauma), finding and cleaning these canals requires precision that endodontists are specifically trained to provide. Additionally, when a tooth shows signs of extensive infection or unusual anatomy on X-rays, your dentist may prefer you see a specialist who handles these complex cases daily.
Retreatment of Failed Root Canals
Sometimes, a previously treated tooth may not heal properly or may develop new problems. This doesn’t mean the original treatment was inadequate—it could be due to:
- New decay exposing the root canal filling to bacteria
- A cracked or loose filling or crown allowing contamination
- Complex canal anatomy that wasn’t fully addressed during initial treatment
- Narrow or curved canals that weren’t thoroughly cleaned
Endodontists have extensive experience in retreatment cases, where they must remove the previous filling material, clean the canals again, and place new material to seal the tooth. These procedures often require specialized techniques and equipment not typically found in general dental offices.
Diagnosis of Complicated Dental Pain
When you’re experiencing dental pain that’s difficult to diagnose, an endodontist’s specialized knowledge can be invaluable.
Endodontists are often called “pain specialists” because they’re experts at finding the source of oral and facial pain. Using advanced diagnostic tools and techniques, they can identify issues that might not be apparent on standard dental examinations. This includes distinguishing between pain caused by pulp inflammation, referred pain from other areas, or conditions that mimic dental pain.
If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain despite treatment, or if your symptoms are unusual or complex, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist to determine the precise cause before proceeding with treatment.
Dental Trauma Management
Injuries to teeth often affect the dental pulp and may require specialized care to save the tooth.
When a tooth is chipped, cracked, or knocked out due to an accident or injury, quick and proper treatment is essential. Endodontists are particularly skilled at treating traumatized teeth and can often save teeth that might otherwise be lost. They evaluate the extent of damage to the pulp and surrounding tissues and provide appropriate treatment to preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
For cases involving root fractures or injuries where the pulp is exposed, endodontists use their expertise to determine the best course of action, whether that’s pulp capping, pulpotomy, root canal therapy, or other specialized procedures.
Apicoectomy and Other Surgical Procedures
When conventional root canal treatment isn’t sufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary.
An apicoectomy (root-end surgery) involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root and placing a filling to seal the end of the root canal. This procedure may be recommended when infection persists at the root tip despite root canal treatment. Other surgical procedures include dividing a tooth with multiple roots (hemisection) or repairing damaged roots.
These microsurgical procedures require specialized training and equipment, including surgical microscopes that provide enhanced visibility. Endodontists perform these procedures routinely, ensuring the best possible outcome for cases where non-surgical approaches aren’t sufficient.
When to Contact an Endodontist
If your dentist has recommended you see an endodontist, it’s because they want you to receive the most appropriate care for your specific condition. Endodontic treatment can save teeth that might otherwise need extraction, allowing you to maintain your natural smile.
At Liv Endodontics, our team of specialists brings advanced training and equipment to every patient case. As professors at NYU College of Dentistry, our doctors remain at the forefront of endodontic techniques and technologies. Whether you need a complex root canal, diagnosis of difficult pain, or management of dental trauma, we provide compassionate, expert care at our Livingston and Summit locations. Contact us today at (973) 577-6500 for our Livingston office, (973) 577-6500 for our Summit office, or through our contact form.
