Your dentist referred you to an endodontist for your root canal. That might sound intimidating, but there's a good reason for it. Here's what an endodontist does and why their specialism matters for your tooth.

An endodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional training specifically in the inner workings of the tooth — the pulp, nerves, and root canals. The word "endodontic" comes from the Greek for "inside the tooth."

They spend all their time doing one thing exceptionally well: saving teeth through root canal treatment. That's their focus, every day.

Your own dentist can perform root canal treatment — many do, routinely. They refer you to an endodontist when the case is particularly complex. Reasons include: curved or narrow canals, calcified canals, a previous root canal that has failed, or an infection that has spread significantly.

Endodontists also use advanced imaging and microscopes to see inside teeth more clearly than standard dental equipment allows.

The endodontist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from inside your tooth, cleans and disinfects the canals, then fills and seals the space. This stops the infection from spreading and saves the tooth from extraction.

You'll usually be numb throughout — the procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. After treatment, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to protect it long-term.

For complex cases, yes. Specialists have seen far more root canal anatomy variations and have the equipment to handle difficult situations. This doesn't mean your dentist couldn't do a straightforward case — it means your endodontist is specifically equipped for yours.

If you're experiencing toothache or have been told you need a root canal, we're happy to talk through your options and what to expect.