An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth. A general dentist, on the other hand, provides a wide range of services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, and cosmetic dentistry.
 
You should see an endodontist if you are experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or if you have been diagnosed with an infected or abscessed tooth. An endodontist is also the best option if you need root canal treatment. If you have any other dental issues, you can visit a general dentist.

The primary goal of an endodontist is to save a natural tooth if possible, as tooth replacement options like bridges, dentures, and implants can have limitations and may require additional maintenance over time. However, in some cases, a root canal may not be the best option. An alternative to a root canal is to extract the tooth. However, if the tooth is removed, it will need to be replaced with a bridge, implant, or partial denture to restore function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
 
Another option is to do a pulp capping, where the endodontist will remove any infected or damaged tissue and then place a protective material over the remaining healthy pulp tissue to try and heal the tooth. This is only recommended if the damage or infection is minimal and the tooth has a good chance of healing. Depending on your condition and its severity, the endodontist will consult with you on the options that are optimal for you.

A root canal is typically considered a relatively urgent procedure, as it is used to treat a severely damaged or infected tooth that may be causing significant pain or other symptoms. If left untreated, an infected or abscessed tooth can lead to serious complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body, tooth loss, or even bone loss.
 
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or if you have been diagnosed with an infected or abscessed tooth, it is important to see a dentist or endodontist as soon as possible to determine if a root canal is necessary.
 
That being said, the urgency of the root canal procedure can vary depending on the specific condition of the tooth and the overall health of the patient. An endodontist will consider the specific condition of the tooth and the overall health of the patient before recommending treatment and timing. In some cases, a wait-and-see approach may be appropriate, while in others, the tooth must be treated as soon as possible.

A root canal procedure is done to remove the infected or damaged pulp, which is the living tissue inside the tooth, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and fill and seal it. A crown is typically placed over the tooth after a root canal to protect it from further damage and restore its function.
 
If a crown is not placed after a root canal, the tooth may be at a higher risk of fracture or breakage. The tooth can also become re-infected if bacteria are able to penetrate the tooth through the open access where the pulp was removed. Additionally, a missing crown can cause a change in the bite and can lead to the shifting of adjacent teeth and jaw pain.
 
A tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure is now considered a “dead” tooth, which means it does not have a blood supply and the nerve has been removed. Because of this, it is more brittle and less able to withstand the forces of biting and chewing. A crown is typically needed to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.
 
Our team at JC Endodontics is dedicated to incorporating new cutting-edge technologies, maintaining the highest standard of endodontic care, and treating our patients with dignity, kindness, and respect. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 200 W 57th St #808, New York, NY 10019. We serve patients from all parts of NYC – Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn; including Midtown Manhattan, Hells Kitchen, Theatre District, Upper East Side Manhattan, Upper West Side Manhattan, Financial District Manhattan, Wall Street area, Williamsburg Brooklyn, Fort Greene, Brooklyn Heights, Green Point Brooklyn, and Astoria Queens, Long Island City NY.