Endodontic Practice: How to Become an Endodontist

As an endodontist, you can deliver painless, non-surgical treatments that help your patients avoid painful root canal procedures. An endodontic practice involves treating patients with dental problems related to the innermost chamber of the tooth known as the pulp. Common issues include infections and fractures. The typical workday as an endodontist involves diagnostic appointments, consultations with other dentists, and operating your own practice.

Endodontic practice is a great career if you love interacting with people and being part of a hands-on team. You’ll spend the majority of your day meeting new patients, diagnosing their concerns, and explaining treatment plans. Often you will also provide recommendations on how to prevent future issues. Depending on where you live, there may be limited availability for an endodontist practice.

What is an Endodontist?

Endodontists are dental specialists who specialize in the treatment of the tooth and the surrounding tissues, including the pulp and the periodontium. They are trained to perform root canal therapy (RCT) and have special expertise in the diagnosis and prevention of oral diseases, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and pericoronitis. Endodontists typically work in private dental offices, providing their services to patients who have been referred to them by dentists and other dental specialists.

How to Become an Endodontist

Endodontist training includes a 6-year, 2-residency program that covers general dentistry and advanced endodontic procedures. It’s important to select a program that has a good reputation and teaches modern, up-to-date techniques. The program is rigorous, so you’ll need good grades from high school and excellent test scores from college.

It will also give you the foundation you need to succeed in advanced studies. Entry-level positions for endodontists are available at hospitals and other healthcare facilities. You can also work in private practice as an associate (employed) or as a partner (owner) in a dental practice. You can also work in a government or academic setting as a clinical instructor or research scientist.

What is Endodontic Therapy?

Root canal therapy (also known as endodontic therapy) is the process of removing infected tissue from inside a tooth’s root. It is an effective treatment for most dental issues, but it’s not without risk. The procedure is best performed by a dentist with special training in endodontics, which is the treatment and prevention of diseases of the pulp and the surrounding tissues.

Why Become an Endodontist?

As an endodontist, you can deliver painless, non-surgical treatments that help your patients avoid painful root canal procedures. Endodontic therapy should help you avoid root canal therapy. In addition to saving your patients from unnecessary pain, it will save them time and money. Your patients will be able to return to work or school sooner and have a reduced need for prescription pain medication.

As an endodontist in private practice, you’ll be able to set your own hours and set your own rates. Because dental practices are required to accept all patients, you’ll have the opportunity to help underserved populations. You may even be able to pursue a specialty certification in areas like pediatrics or geriatrics.

– Endodontics: A root canal is a procedure performed to save a tooth if it has been damaged. A tear or rupture is a pathway for future bacteria to invade the region, causing infection and pain. During a root canal, the pulp is removed by drilling it out and replacing it with a filling. The tooth is then covered with a crown.

– Crown: A crown is a porcelain cap that is shaped to look and feel like the original tooth. After a root canal, a temporary cover is placed until a dental lab fabricates the porcelain coping. The time between pulp removal and crown application allows the inner workings to settle into a healed state. The cavity is sometimes treated with a product such as a clove oil to reduce nerve spasms. Antibiotics may also be given if an infection is suspected or already in play.

Working Conditions for an Endodontist

Many endodontists work in private dental practices, treating patients on an outpatient basis with occasional inpatient hospital work. Others work for government agencies, such as the Veterans Administration, or for medical centers, treating patients who have been hospitalized.

Some endodontists specialize in research or instruction at dental schools. Endodontists work under many different conditions, depending on the setting in which they work. Many endodontists work in clean, well-lighted office settings, while others work in poorly lit hospital settings. Endodontists may work alone or with a team.

Conclusion

Endodontists are dental specialists who specialize in the treatment of the tooth and the surrounding tissues, including the pulp and the periodontium. They are trained to perform root canal therapy (RCT) and have special expertise in the diagnosis and prevention of oral diseases, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and pericoronitis. Endodontists typically work in private dental offices, providing their services to patients who have been referred to them by dentists and other dental specialists.

References:

1-Bioceramics in endodontics – a review

Published: 2017 Dec 2

DOI: 10.17096/jiufd.63659

2-The smear layer: a phenomenon in root canal therapy

Published: May 1995

doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2591.1995.tb00289.x