What is an Endodontist?

If your dentist has referred you to an endodontist, you may be thinking to yourself, “Okay, why do I need to see an endodontist, and what exactly do they do?” You aren’t alone. There are multiple dental specialties that focus on treating specific conditions, and it can be confusing. However, if you have been referred to an endodontist, it is because your dentist has discovered a serious problem with one of your teeth that only an endodontist can treat properly.

Understanding What Is an Endodontist

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in saving severely damaged or decayed teeth when the damage has spread to the pulp, the living tissue inside the tooth. The word “endodontic” translates to “inside the tooth,” and refers to the pulp, which contains tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.

Education and Training

To become an endodontist, an individual must first complete dental school. Then, they undergo an additional two or more years of advanced training, focusing on diagnosing tooth pain, performing root canal treatments, and managing injuries or infections deep within the teeth.

Special Skills

Endodontists utilize advanced technology, including digital imaging and specialized dental instruments, to diagnose and treat problems that regular dentists may not be equipped to handle. Their goal is to save your natural teeth whenever possible and relieve pain quickly and comfortably.

What Does an Endodontist Do?

The most common procedure endodontists perform is the root canal. Although you may be concerned when you hear the term, you shouldn’t be. Modern root canals are nothing like they used to be. Thanks to advanced tools and techniques, most patients describe the experience as no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling. At Root 66 Endodontics, our team of endodontists takes pride in performing painless root canals that quickly relieve the often-intense pain of a tooth with infected pulp.

Endodontists also handle:

• Root canal retreatments (when an old root canal has failed and requires additional care).
• Endodontic surgery for complex cases.
• Traumatic tooth injuries, such as a cracked or knocked-out tooth.
• Diagnosis and treatment of unexplained tooth or jaw pain.

When Should You See an Endodontic Specialist?

You should consider seeing an endodontist if you:

• Have persistent tooth pain that doesn’t go away.
• Feel sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers.
• Experience swelling, tenderness, or discoloration in your gums or teeth.
• Have been told you need a root canal or had one, but continue to feel lingering pain.

If any of these sound familiar, an endodontist is the ideal dental specialist to assess the situation and provide relief without the need for tooth extraction.

Endodontist vs Periodontist

A common question we hear from new patients is “endodontist vs periodontist—what’s the difference?”

Both are dental specialists, but they focus on completely different parts of your mouth:

• Endodontists treat the inside of your teeth (the nerves, pulp, and root canals).
• Periodontists care for the supporting structures of your teeth, like your gums and bone.

In short: endo = inside the tooth, perio = around the tooth.

Endodontist vs Dentist

Here’s another question we often get: “Endodontist vs dentist—what’s the difference?”

A general dentist handles your overall oral health, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and preventive care. Endodontists step in when tooth damage is advanced or complicated, like when the tooth’s nerve is infected or damaged. You can think of your general dentist as your family doctor and your endodontist as the specialist they call when something serious is going on under the surface.

Why Root 66 Endodontics Is the Endodontic Leader in the Inland Empire

At Root 66 Endodontics, we’ve built our reputation on comfort, precision, and patient care. Our team utilizes the latest technology to streamline procedures, making them faster, smoother, and more pain-free. We take the time to explain every step, answer your questions, and create a calm, relaxed environment so that your treatment is always stress-free. 

From our state-of-the-art equipment to our compassionate team, we’re proud to be the Inland Empire’s trusted choice for reliable endodontic care.

Saving Teeth and Relieving Pain is Our Only Specialty

If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain or your dentist has recommended a root canal, Root 66 Endodontics is here to help. Give us a call at Rancho Cucamonga Phone Number (909) 989-0899 or book your consultation online today so we can get you back to feeling (and smiling) your best.