Like many people, you are probably confused about the expertise of endodontists, periodontists, and dentists. For the unversed, endodontists specialize in treatment of soft tissues inside teeth. In other words, endodontists are the dentists who typically handle the root canal treatment, or other treatments that concern the inside of your tooth. Periodontists, on the other hand, are specialized in treating gum diseases. Both endodontists and periodontists are required to get education beyond standard coursework for dentists. If you are seeing an endodontist for the first time, the whole experience can be overwhelming. In this post, we are sharing more on visiting a clinic for endodontics in Providence and things worth knowing.
When to see an endodontist?
Ideally, your regular dentist will recommend an endodontist, if they find that you have infection inside one or many of your teeth. Endodontists, like we mentioned, treat the soft tissues inside the tooth, and therefore, they are experienced in pain management. They will ensure that you feel better immediately, and as needed, they may recommend antibiotics to heal the gums and soft tissues. You can visit an endodontist directly too, if
– You have pain that’s very uncomfortable
– When the origin of tooth pain is not clear
– You believe that previous fillings have been impacted
– You have visible cavities in your molars
– You are feeling sudden sensitivity to hot and cold foods
The first appointment
When you visit an endodontist for the first time, expect the staff to ask a few questions. You may have to fill up a form, where details like history of previous visits, current symptoms, name of referring dentist, and contact information must be filled out. The endodontist will do a routine exam of your teeth to know the possible aspects that need attention, and you may have to respond accordingly to determine the source of your pain. In case a root canal session is required, the endodontist will explain the same, and you may have to visit for multiple appointments.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
As long as an experienced endodontist is working on your tooth, you have no reasons to fear RCT. In fact, you may not feel any pain, as a considerable part of their job involves using a local anesthetic. While root canal treatment can be uncomfortable, your endodontist will ensure that you feel as good as possible. Eventually, endodontists want to save your tooth, and they will take necessary steps to prevent further damage to tooth enamel. Once the root canal treatment is done, the endodontist may either choose to offer restorative treatments like dental crowns or bridges, or may choose to recommend the matter to your family dentist.
Find the right clinic in Providence
If you want to find the best clinic for endodontic care in Providence, check online. Make sure that the clinic has good reviews and do not shy away from asking questions related to the experience and expertise of the practicing endodontist. A good endodontist will answer all your questions patiently.