All dentists, including your general dentist, receive basic training in endodontic treatment in dental school. General dentists often refer patients needing endodontic treatment to endodontists. More than 21 million endodontic procedures are performed nationally each year. Of that total, nearly 16 million are root canals.

An endodontist is a dentist with special training in diagnosing and treating problems associated with the inside of the tooth. To become specialists, they complete dental school and an additional two or more years of advanced training in endodontics, one of the nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. They perform routine as well as difficult and very complex endodontic procedures, including tretreatment of previous root canals that have not healed completely, as well as endodontic surgery. Endodontists are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose. (Description adapted from the American Association of Endodontists www.aae.org)