Endodontic treatments help to treat the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatment is only one type of endodontic treatment that is offered at Ideal Endodontics.

Endodontic treatment can be necessary when the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the root cancels, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection is caused by deep decay repeated by dental procedures on the tooth or a crack or chip in the tooth. The addition is an injury to the tooth which can cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected it can be left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

Some signs you may need a root canal from an endodontist include:

• Severe pain when chewing or biting
• Pimples on the gums in your mouth
• Chipped or cracked tooth/teeth
• Lingering sensitivity to any hot or cold items, even after the sensation has been removed
• Swollen or tender gums
• Deep decay or even darkening of the gums

An endodontic specialist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully clean and shape the inside of the root canal, and then fill and seal the space. Many of these procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches that are caused by pulp inflammation or infection. Our patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure and after a few days after the root canal treatment, they may feel a bit of sensitivity, however the pain or infection from before the procedure is eliminated.

Endodontists are specialized dentists who have completed an additional two or more years of training that go beyond dental school. This additional training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain and root canal treatment as well as other procedures relating to the interior of the tooth. Endodontics limit their practice to focus exclusively on treatments of the dental pulp. General dentists, focus on all other aspects of dentistry outside of the specialized scope that is offered with an endodontist. Endodontists dedicate their time to diagnosing tooth pain and treating it, with their specialized set of skills in finding the cause of your oral and facial pain which can be difficult for general dentists that have not completed the extra training.

This is a common question that is often asked at our clinic by our patients. If your general dentist referred you to an endodontist clinic like Ideal Endodontist, it is because we specialize in certain dental procedures that are often not done at your general dentist location. Your general dentist wants you to receive the best possible treatment and prognosis with a success rate. Just like in healthcare, your family physician may refer you to see a specialist like an optometrist for an eye issue, or a cardiologist for a heart health issue, the same goes with dentistry.

Endodontists specialize in saving your teeth through a multitude of different procedures that can involve the pulp (nerve) and roots of the teeth. As defined by the American Board of Endodontists, an endodontist is a dental specialist who treats the diseased and injured dental pulp, root, and surrounding tissues of the teeth. Endodontists receive a certificate that notes endodontics on it after they complete the additional 2-3 years of training in the accredited dental program after their dental school.

If you or someone you know is going through a painful situation with your teeth, and you think it might be the cause of something severe and in need of a root canal or other specialized procedure that our endodontics offer, call Ideal Endodontics today to schedule your appointment. Our professional, caring, and experienced staff are available to answer any of your questions you may have and find you the treatment you are in need of faster to find relief sooner. Speak to one of our specialists by contacting our office or simply book an appointment online. We serve patients from Washington DC, Woodbridge VA, Arlington VA, Lorton VA, Manassas VA, Springfield VA, Alexandria VA, and Silver Spring MD. Looking forward to serving you!