What Is an Endodontist?
Why You Might Be Referred and How They Help Save Your Teeth
When it comes to maintaining excellent oral health, some situations require more than routine dental care. That’s where an endodontist comes in. If you’ve been referred for a root canal or are experiencing deep tooth pain, it’s important to understand the specialized role endodontists play—and how their expertise can help preserve your natural smile.
At Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry, we’re proud to offer access to expert endodontic care in Los Angeles, ensuring you receive the highest level of treatment for complex dental concerns.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
An endodontist is a dental specialist focused on diagnosing and treating issues involving the dental pulp and root canal system—the inner parts of the tooth. They receive years of advanced training beyond general dentistry, giving them the skills to save teeth that would otherwise need extraction.
Endodontists use microscopic tools, digital imaging, and pain-relieving techniques to treat infections, trauma, and other conditions affecting the inside of the tooth.
Why You Might Be Referred to an Endodontist
Not all dental problems are the same. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if:
- You’re experiencing severe or persistent tooth pain
- A previous root canal has failed or needs retreatment
- Your tooth has been damaged by trauma or deep decay
- The anatomy of your tooth is unusually complex
- A dental abscess or infection requires surgical treatment
Endodontists are equipped with the technology and training needed to handle challenging or advanced cases with precision and care.
Common Procedures Performed by Endodontists
Here’s a breakdown of the procedures endodontists specialize in—and how they can help you keep your natural teeth for life:
🔹 Root Canal Therapy
The most common endodontic treatment, a root canal involves removing infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning the area, and sealing it. This relieves pain, stops the infection, and saves the tooth from extraction.
🔹 Endodontic Retreatment
Sometimes a tooth doesn’t heal as expected after a root canal. Endodontic retreatment reopens the tooth, removes the previous filling material, and addresses any lingering issues—giving your tooth a second chance.
🔹 Cracked Tooth Management
Cracks that reach the inner pulp can lead to pain and infection. Endodontists identify and treat these cases early to prevent worsening damage, often using root canal therapy or restorative solutions to stabilize the tooth.
🔹 Traumatic Dental Injury Care
Whether your tooth was knocked out, fractured, or displaced, endodontists are highly skilled in managing dental injuries. Immediate care can often save the tooth and restore function and aesthetics.
🔹 Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)
If inflammation or infection persists after a root canal, an apicoectomy may be needed. This minor surgical procedure removes the root tip and seals the canal to prevent further infection.
🔹 Dental Abscess Treatment
A dental abscess can cause swelling, pain, and serious health risks. Endodontists drain the abscess and remove the source of infection—often using root canal therapy or surgery to prevent recurrence.
🔹 Complex Root Canal Cases
Some teeth have curved, narrow, or extra canals that general dentists may struggle to treat. Endodontists use advanced imaging and tools to navigate these tricky canals and fully disinfect and seal the tooth.
Your Dentist’s Referral Means You’re in Good Hands
Being referred to an endodontist isn’t a cause for concern—it’s a step toward saving your natural tooth and avoiding more invasive procedures. Endodontists are the best resource for ensuring lasting pain relief, infection control, and functional tooth preservation.
Book Your Endodontic Consultation in Los Angeles
At Smile LA, your comfort and long-term oral health are our top priorities. If you’re experiencing unexplained tooth pain, have been told you need a root canal, or want a second opinion, our endodontic team is here to help.
📞 Call today or book your consultation online
Let us help you protect your smile, starting from the inside out.
