Endodontists are dentists who specialized in maintaining natural teeth through procedures called endodontic therapy, or root canal therapy, that involve the soft inner tissue of the teeth.  In addition to 4 years of dental school, endodontists go through two or more years of advanced residency training, studying root canal techniques and procedures in greater depth offering you the best possible care in endodontic treatments.  All dentists are trained in endodontic therapy while in dental school, however some teeth can be very difficult to treat and diagnose.  The advanced training endodontists receive makes them especially adept at diagnosing tooth pain and treating the most difficult cases.  Their offices are often equipped with the most advanced technology specialized for endodontic treatment.

You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings. Properly cared for, most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. 

Once endodontic therapy is completed your tooth should be examined periodically, usually every 6 - 12 months.  This allows us to make sure the tooth has healed or is healing properly.  You will be sent a notice in the mail when we feel it is appropriate to reevaluate the area.  Since an abscess may take 2 years to heal, our office will reevaluate the tooth for at least 2 years.