When to Seek Endodontic Care
A referral to an endodontist means your dentist wants you to receive the most precise and effective treatment available. Endodontic care can often save teeth that might otherwise be extracted, helping you maintain your natural smile and long-term oral health.
Diagnosis of Persistent Dental Pain
If you’re experiencing dental or facial pain that’s difficult to pinpoint, an endodontist can help. Often referred to as “pain specialists,” endodontists are experts in diagnosing the source of complex oral pain. Their advanced diagnostic tools allow them to distinguish between different causes—such as inflamed pulp, referred pain, or other underlying conditions—ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Why am I being referred to an Endodontist?
A referral to an endodontist is not a cause for concern, but rather a proactive decision by your dentist to ensure you receive the highest level of specialized care for your dental health. Endodontists are experts in diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. While general dentists are equipped to handle many dental procedures, certain cases benefit from the advanced training and tools that endodontists offer.
At Knoxville Endodontics, our team of board-certified specialists provides advanced endodontic care to patients throughout the Southeast. We collaborate closely with general dentists to ensure a seamless transition when specialized treatment is needed.
Complex Root Canal Treatments
Not all root canals are the same. While many general dentists perform routine root canals, some cases require advanced techniques. Teeth with intricate anatomy can present unique challenges. Endodontists use cutting-edge tools—including microscopes, ultrasonic instruments, and 3D imaging—to visualize and treat these complex structures with precision.
Management of Dental Trauma
Injuries to teeth often involve damage to the pulp or root structure. Whether a tooth is chipped, cracked, or knocked out, immediate and expert care can make the difference between saving or losing the tooth. Endodontists specialize in treating dental trauma and can often preserve the natural tooth with treatments such as root canal therapy, partial pulpotomy, or pulp capping, depending on the severity of the injury.
Retreatment of Previous Root Canals
A tooth that has already undergone root canal therapy may still develop new problems. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a failure of the original treatment. Common causes for retreatment include:
- New decay that exposes the root canal to bacteria
- A cracked or loose filling or crown
- Hidden or curved canals that were previously untreated
- Complicated anatomy that was missed initially
Endodontists are highly skilled in retreatment. They carefully remove the old filling material, thoroughly clean the canals, and reseal the tooth using advanced techniques not typically available in general practice.
Surgical Endodontic Procedures
When standard root canal treatment isn’t sufficient, surgery may be needed. An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, involves removing the tip of a tooth’s root and sealing it to stop persistent infection. Other surgical options may include procedures to remove or repair damaged root structures.
These treatments require surgical microscopes and specialized techniques, which endodontists routinely use to ensure the best possible outcomes.
At Knoxville Endodontics, our specialists bring years of experience, advanced training, and state-of-the-art technology to every patient we treat. Whether you need a complex root canal, retreatment, pain diagnosis, trauma care, or surgery, we are committed to providing exceptional and compassionate care.
To schedule a consultation, contact our office at (865) 560-1996.