endodontian

An endodontian is a dental professional who specializes in endodontics, the branch of dentistry focused on diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and the surrounding periapical tissues. Although the term exists, the more common designation for a practitioner in this field is endodontist. Endodontians aim to preserve natural teeth by diagnosing and treating pulpal and periapical conditions.

Scope of practice includes diagnostic assessment, pulp vitality testing, and imaging to determine pulpal or periapical pathology. Procedures encompass non-surgical root canal therapy, retreatment of failed root canal treatments, and surgical endodontics such as apicoectomy. They may also perform regenerative endodontics, vital pulp therapy, and management of dental trauma, routinely using magnification and rubber dam isolation.

Education and licensure: after earning a dental degree, aspiring endodontians usually complete postgraduate specialty training in endodontics, typically two to three years. Certification requirements vary by country and may include board examinations or formal credentialing. Continuing education and adherence to professional guidelines support ongoing practice.

Endodontics developed to address disease and injury of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues and has benefited from innovations in nickel-titanium instrumentation, obturation materials, and advanced imaging. Endodontians collaborate with general dentists to salvage teeth and restore function. See also Endodontics; Root canal therapy; Pulpitis; Periapical abscess.