The most common procedure for an endodontist is a root canal, which involves treating infected roots in order to save the tooth. To become a specialist, the doctor had to complete at least two additional years of schooling. Your general dentist may refer you to Khalid Sajjad if you experience chronic tooth pain and your X-rays show signs of infection.

Just like a cardiologist only deals with disorders of the heart, an endodontist only works with the pulp, or inside tissues, of your teeth. This specialization allows for more accurate diagnostics and better results with treatment. Your regular dentist is qualified to perform simple root canals, but an endodontist can provide you with more treatment options that can restore your teeth for life. Procedures that endodontists can perform but general dentists cannot include:

• Cracked teeth treatment
• Diagnosis and treatment of complex root problems
• Tooth replacements
• Consultations for facial trauma patients
• Surgical removal of roots

Why visit an endodontist?

While no type of replacement is as good as your natural teeth, root canals and other endodontic procedures effectively save teeth, and specialists prefer these methods over extractions, bridges, and implants. If your dentist ever suggests tooth removal as treatment, you should request an endodontic consultation for other options. Endodontists have access to more advanced diagnostic technology, such as ultrasonic imaging and operating microscopes, and can offer you a larger selection of treatment options to prevent the loss of adult teeth.

Endodontic treatment reduces the time it takes for treatment and recovery. While you do not need to see a specialist for every dental issue, there are some symptoms that indicate problems with your teeth’s blood vessels, roots, nerves, and soft tissues. Seek an endodontist’s specialized care when you experience the following symptoms.

• Sharp pain when biting
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods followed by lingering pain
• Persistent and severe pain with swollen gums
• Uncomfortable aches in the upper teeth and jaws

You value your natural teeth, and at our Battle Creek, Michigan office, we can help ensure the longevity and function of your pearly whites for the years to come!