What Is An Endodontist

Dental Tissue Experts

All endodontists are dentists, but not every dentist is an endodontist! According to the American Association of Endodontists, only 3% of dentists are endodontists. These dental specialists focus on the treatment of the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. The dental pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth. As an endodontist, Dr. Samuel Black specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries that affect the dental pulp, such as root canals, cracked teeth and dental trauma.

What Training Is Required To Become An Endodontist?

These dental experts receive specialized training in endodontic procedures beyond dental school. They typically complete an additional two or three years of postgraduate education, which includes clinical training in root canal therapy, endodontic surgery, and other advanced treatments. This additional training allows them to provide specialized care and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of complex endodontic cases.

What Can Endodontists Treat?

Some of the procedures that these specialists may perform include root canal therapy, endodontic surgery, treatment of dental trauma and management of dental pain. At Gentle Endodontics in Lynchburg, VA, Dr. Samuel Black offers root canal therapy, pediatric frenectomies and adult frenectomies. Specialists like Dr. Black also work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive dental care for patients.

Why Choose An Endodontist?

If you have been diagnosed with a dental pulp issue, you need safe, effective and trusted treatment in order to preserve as much of the tooth as possible. While dentists certainly have experience in this area and are equipped to perform these procedures, Dr. Samuel Black’s extra education and expertise make him the best choice for care. Reasons to choose a specialist include:

In addition to earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Dr. Samuel Black also holds a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Endodontics, where he received specialized training in treating dental pulp and roots.

According to the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, dentists perform around 2 root canals per week, whereas an endodontist performs 25 procedures per week on average.

The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine also reports that 89% of patients were satisfied with the results of their root canal procedure when performed by a specialist.

Specialists like Dr. Samuel Black use the latest advancements in technology and techniques to treat patients. Technologies such as digital x-rays, 3D imaging, operating microscopes, ultrasonic instruments, fiber optics and more help to make diagnosis and treatment more efficient and comfortable for patients.