What Is an Endodontist?

Tooth pain is not a diagnosis by itself. Decay, a crack, an old restoration, gum disease, bite forces, sinus symptoms and inflammation or infection inside a tooth can produce overlapping complaints. An endodontic evaluation may include a history of the symptoms, tests of the tooth and nearby teeth, an examination and appropriate dental imaging.

Endodontists commonly evaluate or manage:

• persistent or difficult-to-localize tooth pain;
• inflammation or infection of the pulp;
• teeth that may need root canal treatment;
• symptoms that continue after prior root canal treatment;
• cracked teeth and some traumatic dental injuries;
• complex root anatomy or other factors that make treatment more difficult;
• cases in which the dentist and patient need more information before choosing between tooth-preserving care and another option.

The American Association of Endodontists describes endodontists as dental specialists in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and performing root canal treatment. The association states that specialty training follows dental school.

A general dentist is often an appropriate first contact for a new tooth concern. The dentist can examine the mouth, identify likely causes and explain whether the problem can be managed in the general practice or would benefit from specialist evaluation. Some patients are referred directly because a tooth has already been assessed, the diagnosis is uncertain, previous treatment needs review or the anticipated procedure is complex.

JG Dental is a family, general, implant and cosmetic dental practice with offices in San Juan Capistrano and Newport Beach. This page does not claim that an endodontist is on staff. If an examination indicates that specialist care would be appropriate, the dentist can discuss referral. Use the office selector or location links to contact the office you plan to visit.

Arrange dental guidance for persistent toothache, pain when biting, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, a chipped or cracked tooth, gum swelling near a tooth, or symptoms that return after earlier root canal treatment. These signs can have several causes, and some pulp problems produce few symptoms, so a page or symptom list cannot determine whether root canal treatment is needed.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, major facial trauma or other potentially life-threatening symptoms. For less severe dental symptoms, contact the dental office for instructions. Availability and the appropriate setting depend on the circumstances; this page does not promise walk-in, emergency or same-day care at either JG Dental office.

When the pulp is inflamed or infected and the tooth can be restored, root canal treatment may be considered to retain the tooth. Treatment generally involves removing the affected pulp, cleaning and shaping the canal space, and sealing it. The tooth may need a final restoration afterward, depending on its location and remaining structure. The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy guide explains that severely damaged, decayed or infected teeth are among the situations in which a dentist may recommend root canal treatment.

Not every painful tooth needs a root canal, and not every tooth can be predictably retained. Cracks, remaining tooth structure, periodontal support, restorability, infection, medical considerations and patient preferences affect the plan. Benefits, risks, alternatives and likely follow-up should be discussed for the individual tooth before treatment.

When requesting an appointment, describe the location and duration of symptoms, what triggers them, whether swelling or injury is present, and any previous treatment on the tooth. Bring a current medication list and relevant dental records or images if they are available. Do not delay urgent assessment solely to obtain old records.

Questions worth asking include: What is the diagnosis? Can the tooth be restored? What are the reasonable treatment alternatives? Why is referral recommended? What follow-up or final restoration may be needed? Answers depend on the clinical findings, not on the URL of the page or the office selected.