- An endodontist is a dentist who, in addition to traditional dental
education, has completed formal graduate training in this specialized field of
dentistry. Endodontics, or root canal therapy, is the branch of dentistry dedicated
to saving teeth that have become diseased -- teeth that otherwise would have to be
removed. The goal of the endodontist is to allow patients to maintain their natural
teeth, and the course of treatment proceeds with this purpose in mind.
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- When performed by an endodontist, root canal therapy enjoys a
clinical success rate well over 90%. Although root canal therapy has a high degree
of success, it cannot be guaranteed. Occasionally a tooth which has had root canal
therapy may require retreatment, surgery or even extraction.
Conventional root canal therapy is preferably completed in one
visit, but it may require multiple appointments depending on the
circumstances.
