What is an Endodontist Miami, FL
You may be vaguely familiar with the term "endodontics" but unclear about exactly what this field of dentistry entails. While many general dentists perform endodontic procedures, an endodontist is a specialized dentist with additional training. General dentists and endodontists work together to help manage tooth pain.
General dentists also make referrals to endodontists. The American Academy of Endodontists (AAE) reports that general dentists typically refer about half of their patients in need of root canals to an endodontist. Our team at Design A Smile Miami in Miami and the surrounding area can provide more information on endodontic care and possible services you may need.
Call us at (305) 909-2430 to learn more.
Who Can Become an Endodontist
Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on root canal treatment, diagnosing tooth pain, and other procedures involving the tooth's interior. In addition to completing dental school, endodontists must undergo at least two years of specialist training. This knowledge allows them sometimes to preserve teeth that they would have otherwise lost.
Altogether, endodontists complete six to seven years of postgraduate schooling. Their specialist training focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the dental pulp. This also makes them extraordinarily proficient in pain management and utilizing cutting-edge technologies in their practice.
“In addition to completing dental school, endodontists must also undergo at least two years of specialist training.”
Endodontist vs. General Dentist
Even though endodontists and general dentists can perform endodontic treatments, endodontists can do more than general dentists because of their specialized training. Take, for example, the most common procedure that an endodontist performs: a root canal. In this procedure, the damaged pulp gets removed from the inside of the tooth, the pulp chamber gets cleaned extensively, and the area gets sealed off to prevent further decay. A general dentist typically performs only basic root canal procedures.
However, an endodontist can perform much more complicated root canals and can even remove parts of the tooth surgically, if necessary. An endodontist also typically has more specialized tools and methods for performing root canals and may use more sophisticated forms of local anesthesia. Additionally, since endodontists perform a higher volume of root canals than a general dentist, they have a wealth of experience in troubleshooting during the procedure.
“An endodontist also typically has more specialized tools and methods for performing root canals and may use more sophisticated forms of local anesthesia.”
What Endodontists Do
"Endo" is Greek for "inside," while "odont" is Greek for "tooth." As such, endodontic treatments are any treatments that involve the inside of the tooth. The interior of the tooth is also known as the tooth's pulp. Accordingly, endodontists are specialists in saving teeth. Some standard endodontic services involve root canal treatment and endodontic retreatment.
Root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure that relieves dental pain and saves the tooth. This treatment is necessary to remove any inflammation or infection in the pulp. If this first procedure fails or the tooth becomes reinfected, then endodontic retreatment is possible. During this process, the endodontist must reopen the tooth to clean and fill the canals with a temporary filling.
“… endodontic treatments are any treatments that involve the inside of the tooth (also known as the tooth’s pulp).”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What is an Endodontist in Miami, FL
Severe Endodontic Treatments
Endodontists can also help with more severe issues, such as surgery and dental implant placement. These procedures are often necessary after an initial root canal treatment. Root canal treatments are also not always suitable for every patient. Endodontic surgery and dental implant placement can preserve a tooth for a lifetime.
Occasionally, patients may have small fractures or hidden canals that go undetected by X-rays during an initial root canal treatment. Endodontic surgery can locate these fractures or canals, remove any calcium deposits, and treat any damaged surfaces. If all these measures are inadequate, tooth extraction may be necessary. In such cases, dental implants are the premier tooth replacement option, as they look and function like natural teeth.
“Endodontic surgery and dental implant placement can preserve a tooth for a lifetime.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the qualifications to become an endodontist?
Q. What are some standard endodontic services?
Q. Can endodontists help with more severe issues?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
Q. When should I see the endodontist?
People Also Ask
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
Q. What are the benefits of a root canal?
Q. How common are root canals?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. What are examples of severe endodontist treatments?
Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
When to See an Endodontist
Sometimes the patient may have a tooth problem better managed by an endodontist than a general dentist. If the patient has been referred to an endodontist by your general dentist, it is critical to follow up for a consultation. That may mean the patient may need a more complex root canal.
Additionally, if having severe tooth pain or a traumatic tooth injury, the patient may be best served by an endodontist. If the patient has previously had a root canal in a tooth and is having new pain in the same area, retreatment performed by an endodontist may be necessary.
“If the patient has previously had a root canal in a tooth and is having new pain in the same area, retreatment performed by an endodontist may be necessary.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How common are root canals?
A. Root canals are slowly becoming a more common procedure, as the AAE reports that an average endodontist performs 25 root canals each week. Root canals are a crucial treatment to help prevent the further spread of infection or damage to the surrounding teeth.
Q. Does an endodontist perform more root canals than a dentist?
A. In general, yes. Because endodontists focus primarily on root canals, they tend to conduct a higher volume of these procedures. As the AAE estimates, the average endodontist performs 25 root canals each week, whereas the average dentist performs only two. Thus, seeking a professional endodontist can provide the specialized services the patient needs.
Q. What is the satisfaction rate of endodontists?
A. Endodontists are well-respected by their professional colleagues and patients alike. The AAE reports that 89% of patients remain satisfied after having a root canal performed by an endodontist; 94% of dentists have a positive impression of the care provided by the endodontists with whom they collaborate.
Q. How can I learn more about endodontics?
A. The field of endodontics is represented by the American Academy of Endodontists. Their motto is that endodontists are specialists in saving teeth. To learn more, you can visit the AAE website, which has several educational videos.
Q. Are root canal treatments painful?
A. Several endodontic procedures are designed to relieve the pain of toothaches derived from pulp inflammation or infection. Today's endodontists know more about pain management than ever. Now, most patients report little discomfort during the procedure.
Scan here to view this page, What is an Endodontist, on mobile
Endodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
Choosing the right dentist can be intimidating. Our team at Design A Smile Miami can help. Call us today at 305-909-2430 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Design A Smile Miami was established in 2000.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Miami-Dade County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Miami, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Hialeah, Doral, and Sweetwater
- FL (License #14151). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1720095037). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Design A Smile Miami on mobile
Back to top of What is an Endodontist
Related Posts
Ask An Emergency Dentist: What You Need To Know
An emergency dentist can be a reassuring source of professional care in moments of sudden dental pain, injury, or complications. Addressing unexpected problems promptly helps prevent further damage and protect oral health. Having a clear plan and following expert recommendations will make managing stressful dental emergencies easier, maintain healthy teeth and gums, and reduce the…
Welcome To Design A Smile Miami
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Miami, FL area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Kid-Friendly Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges and Dental Veneers.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Design A Smile Miami on mobile
