Q: What is endodontics?
A: Endodontics is the field of dentistry that specializes in care of the dental pulp, the soft material inside the tooth. You may be referred to an endodontist if you need, for instance, a root canal procedure, which is treatment of the pulp.
Endodontics is one of nine dental specialty areas recognized by the American Dental Association. The others are: dental public health, including the study of trends, establishment of public health programs and dissemination of information; endodontics, which deals with the nerve of the tooth; orthodontics, which involves straightening teeth; pedodontics, which specializes in the treatment of children; periodontics, which is concerned with the teeth's supporting structures, namely the gums and jaw; and the fields of oral and maxillofacial pathology, radiology and surgery.
All dentists have the same basic training. Specialists go on for post-graduate training. Ask your dentist for more information about dental specialty areas, and especially if you might benefit from the attention of a specialist.
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