THE ENDODONTIST Q: What is an endodontist? A: An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in care of the tooth 's pulp, the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It is one of the areas of specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. All dentists go through similar training as they earn their DDS or DMD degree. Some choose to go on for more years of study to specialize in a particular area. The word endodontics, which is what the endodontist practices, comes from Greek words 'endo,' which means 'inside,' and 'odons,' which means 'tooth.' The way most people would come into contact with an endodontist would be through a referral from your regular dentist for a root canal. If tooth decay has reached the inside of a tooth, it can infect the pulp. In root canal therapy, the endodontist removes the diseased pulp, cleans out the inside of the tooth, and then seals the tooth. Endodontists also specialize in the care of cracked teeth. Among other areas of dental specialty are the periodontist, who focuses on the support structures for the teeth, namely the gums and jaw. You might be referred to a periodontist, for instance, if your dentist detects gum disease. An orthodontist, for instance, specializes in installing braces for the straightening of teeth. Talk with your dentist about other areas of specialty. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 OrCBEGI 1D-WS THE ENDODONTIST Q: What is an endodontist? A: An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in care of the tooth 's pulp, the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It is one of the areas of specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. All dentists go through similar training as they earn their DDS or DMD degree. Some choose to go on for more years of study to specialize in a particular area. The word endodontics, which is what the endodontist practices, comes from Greek words 'endo,' which means 'inside,' and 'odons,' which means 'tooth.' The way most people would come into contact with an endodontist would be through a referral from your regular dentist for a root canal. If tooth decay has reached the inside of a tooth, it can infect the pulp. In root canal therapy, the endodontist removes the diseased pulp, cleans out the inside of the tooth, and then seals the tooth. Endodontists also specialize in the care of cracked teeth. Among other areas of dental specialty are the periodontist, who focuses on the support structures for the teeth, namely the gums and jaw. You might be referred to a periodontist, for instance, if your dentist detects gum disease. An orthodontist, for instance, specializes in installing braces for the straightening of teeth. Talk with your dentist about other areas of specialty. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 OrCBEGI 1D-WS