While all endodontists are dentists, less than three percent of dentists are endodontists. Just like a doctor in any other field, endodontists are specialists because they've completed an additional two or more years of training beyond dental school. Their additional training focuses on diagnosing tooth pain, performing root canal therapy, and the management of dental trauma.
Root Canal Therapy is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection could have a variety of causes: deep decay, a deep filling, or a crack in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
