If you’ve been referred to an endodontist, you may be wondering exactly what that means.
Many people assume an endodontist is simply “the root canal doctor.” While root canal treatment is certainly one of the most common procedures we perform, it’s only part of what we do.
Endodontists are specialists trained to diagnose tooth pain, treat diseases and injuries affecting the inside of the tooth, and save natural teeth whenever possible.
So, what does an endodontist actually do? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist who completes two or more years of advanced specialty training after dental school, focusing exclusively on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the inside of the tooth.
The word “endodontics” comes from the Greek words:
- Endo = inside
- Odont = tooth
Simply put, an endodontist specializes in caring for the inside of your teeth.
While general dentists provide a wide variety of dental services, endodontists focus on preserving teeth that are infected, damaged, or injured.
Endodontist Definition
An endodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses tooth pain and performs procedures involving the dental pulp—the soft tissue inside each tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Their goal is simple:
Relieve pain, eliminate infection, and save your natural tooth whenever possible.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
Although root canals are a large part of our specialty, endodontists provide many different types of care.
At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, we routinely perform:
Root Canal Therapy
When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue, disinfects the canals, and seals the tooth to prevent future infection.
This allows patients to keep their natural tooth instead of having it extracted.
Root Canal Retreatment
Sometimes a tooth that had a previous root canal develops a new infection months or even years later.
Rather than removing the tooth, an endodontist may be able to perform root canal retreatment, giving the tooth another opportunity to heal.
Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)
When infection persists near the tip of the root, an apicoectomy may be recommended.
This microsurgical procedure removes the infected tissue at the root tip while preserving the rest of the tooth.
Dental Trauma Treatment
Accidents happen.
Whether you’ve experienced:
- A cracked tooth
- A chipped tooth
- A tooth that’s been knocked loose
- A sports injury
- Facial trauma
An endodontist has specialized training to evaluate and treat injuries affecting the tooth’s nerve and root structure.
Diagnosing Tooth Pain
Not every toothache requires a root canal.
One of the most important things an endodontist does is determine what’s actually causing your pain.
Tooth pain can result from:
- Cracks that aren’t visible
- Deep decay
- Infections
- Trauma
- Referred pain from neighboring teeth
- Inflammation inside the tooth
Accurate diagnosis is often the key to choosing the right treatment.
How Is an Endodontist Different From a General Dentist?
General dentists are highly trained to provide preventive and restorative dental care, including:
- Cleanings
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Preventive exams
- Routine dental treatment
Endodontists receive years of additional education focused specifically on treating the inside of teeth.
That advanced training allows them to manage more complex cases and perform root canal procedures every day.
Many general dentists refer patients to an endodontist when specialized care is needed.
How Is an Endodontist Different From an Oral Surgeon?
This is another common source of confusion.
Although both are dental specialists, they perform very different procedures.
Endodontists
- Save natural teeth
- Perform root canals
- Treat tooth infections
- Repair injured teeth
- Diagnose tooth pain
Oral Surgeons
- Remove teeth
- Extract wisdom teeth
- Place dental implants
- Perform jaw surgery
- Treat facial injuries
Whenever possible, an endodontist’s goal is to save your tooth—not remove it.
When Should You See an Endodontist?
Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if you’re experiencing:
- Severe tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting down
- A cracked tooth
- Swelling around a tooth
- An abscess
- A darkened tooth following an injury
- A tooth that may need retreatment
Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and may help prevent tooth loss.
Why Specialized Training Matters
Endodontists perform root canal procedures every day.
Because of their advanced training and experience, they are skilled at managing:
- Complex root canal anatomy
- Difficult diagnoses
- Dental emergencies
- Previously treated teeth
- Traumatic dental injuries
At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, we also use advanced technology—including dental operating microscopes and modern imaging—to improve precision and help achieve the best possible outcomes.
Our Mission Is to Save Teeth
The biggest difference between an endodontist and many other dental specialists is our primary focus.
We aren’t looking for reasons to remove your tooth.
We’re looking for every opportunity to save it.
Preserving your natural tooth helps maintain your bite, protects your jawbone, and keeps your smile functioning the way nature intended.
Trust Eastern Idaho Endodontics for Specialized Care
If you’ve been referred to an endodontist—or you’re searching online because you’re experiencing tooth pain—you can feel confident knowing you’re seeing a specialist trained specifically to diagnose and treat problems inside the tooth.
At Eastern Idaho Endodontics, our experienced team provides advanced endodontic care using the latest technology and techniques to make treatment as comfortable and effective as possible. With convenient locations throughout Eastern Idaho and Wyoming, we’re committed to helping patients relieve pain and save their natural teeth.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have questions about whether you need specialized treatment, contact Eastern Idaho Endodontics today to schedule an evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist who completes additional specialty training focused on diagnosing tooth pain and treating the inside of the tooth, including root canal therapy and other procedures designed to save natural teeth.
What does an endodontist do?
Endodontists perform root canals, root canal retreatments, apicoectomies, treat dental injuries, diagnose tooth pain, and provide specialized care for infected or damaged teeth.
Is an endodontist better than a general dentist for root canals?
Endodontists receive years of additional education and perform root canal procedures every day, making them experts in diagnosing and treating complex cases involving the dental pulp.
Do all toothaches require an endodontist?
No. Many toothaches can be treated by a general dentist. However, if the pain is caused by infection or damage inside the tooth, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist for specialized care.
Why would my dentist refer me to an endodontist?
General dentists often refer patients when a tooth requires root canal treatment, retreatment, management of dental trauma, or a more advanced diagnosis of tooth pain.
