A broken or severely decayed tooth often requires endodontic or root canal treatment. That is the preservation of a tooth by the removal of tissue and infection from inside the tooth. All dentists know how to provide this kind of treatment. Some have more training and experience than others.
There are dentists who only provide endodontic treatment. They are endodontists or root canal specialists. Endodontists earn their certification after dental school in a two-year program. They learn advanced techniques in diagnosis and treatment of tooth pain.
When a patient has pain in their tooth, mouth or face, he or she should see a general dentist first. Usually, the general dentist will be able to determine the cause of the pain and treat it. Alternately, the general dentist will narrow the cause of pain and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist.
The dentist will ask questions about the toothache. How long has the pain been noticeable? Does the pain change with a change in posture? Is there any swelling? Does it hurt to drink something hot? Cold? Does it hurt to chew?
There are tests that help the dentist diagnose the source of the toothache. The dentist may firmly tap the tooth with the handle of their mirror. The dentist may ask the patient to bite on a cotton role or a soft piece of wood. The dentist may cool the tooth with a piece of ice or a cold liquid on a piece of cotton. The dentist might ask the patient to lean forward and report if they notice a change in the quality of pain. Most dentists will use a special probe to measure the depth of pockets in the gingiva (gums).
Finally, the dentist or dental assistant will take an x-ray film (radiograph) of the tooth. The dentist will search the radiograph for signs of infection and mechanical defects in the roots of the teeth. Periodontal (gum) disease will cause radiographic changes.
The most important reason to see the general dentist before the endodontist is that endodontists are able to treat many teeth that restoring dentists (the dentist who will rebuild the tooth) can not make whole. Unfortunately, this happens with some regularity. Only ask an endodontist to treat a tooth after the restoring dentist determines that the tooth is repairable.
The general dentists refer their patients to endodontists that they know and trust. Generalists send patients to endodontists who have earned their trust. If your dentist trusts the endodontist, and you trust your dentist, then you know how to choose the best endodontist.
Sources:
www.aae.org
www.ada.org
Author: Dr. David Leader
© 2008 Associated Content