An endodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional 2 or 3 years post-graduate program, who specializes in pulpal and periradicular disease (root canal problems). An endodontist focus is on patients who may need root canal therapy, root canal retreatment (re-do's), or endodontically related surgeries.
Experience
Endodontists are dental specialists with at least two years of additional training beyond dental school. The American Association of Endodontists has determined that an endodontist completes on average 25 root canals per week, while general dentists do about two root canals a week. An endodontist’s expertise and experience lay the groundwork for accurate diagnoses. Only then should the most appropriate treatment be recommended and competently carried out for the patient.
Efficiency
Because they limit their practice solely to endodontic care, endodontists are keenly focused and well-equipped for specific aspects of root canal diagnosis and treatment. This allows them to be highly efficient and precise at what they do. Consequently, patients will often have positive experiences and predictable treatment outcomes, and waste no time.
Availability
Endodontists understand the urgency of toothaches! Most endodontic practices will have flexible scheduling to accommodate patients in acute pain on an emergency basis. Patients will be taken care of in a timely manner with minimal delay, to provide relief as quickly as possible.
Advanced Technology
Many endodontic offices are equipped with modern, state-of-the-art devices for endodontic therapy. Such technology may include surgical microscopy, digital or phosphor-plate imaging, and ultrasonic instrumentation. Electronic communication with the patient’s general dentist allows for nearly instantaneous transmission of information and radiographic images, allowing for smoother transition of care between doctors.