The Phoenix Endodontic Group is joining the American Association of Endodontists in celebrating Root Canal Awareness Week May 6 through May 12. This year, the theme of the event is “Endodontists: Superheroes of Saving Teeth.”

Fewer than three percent of all dentists are trained as endodontists. Since these mild-mannered dental specialists do not typically wear their superhero capes, this post will provide several ways by which you can identify their special powers.

Becoming A Superhero: How Endodontists Excel At Rescuing Your Natural Teeth

Although general dentists can and do perform root canals, there are numerous ways in which endodontists are able to provide expert care when your natural teeth are in danger.

1. Endodontists receive advanced training in teeth-saving techniques. Dentists intending to specialize in endodontics receive an additional two years of training, which is focused on diagnosing tooth pain and treating the interior nerves and pulp in your natural teeth.
2. Endodontists perform tooth-saving procedures every day. Not only do endodontists perform as many as 25 root canals per week, they also do root canal retreatments, apicoectomies, and procedures that address dental injuries. This gives them many additional chances to hone their skills and become familiar with a wide range of threats to natural teeth.
3. Endodontists specialize in reducing pain in your natural teeth. As noted above, pain management is a significant part of an endodontist’s training as a specialist. Not only are they experts at diagnosing why you’re experiencing pain in your teeth and gums, they have an array of techniques for ensuring your comfort during a root canal or other procedure.

“Our practice is happy to celebrate Root Canal Awareness Week with our clients and potential clients,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group. “Root canals and other procedures that conserve your natural teeth have a high success rate, and can often present fewer post-procedure challenges than other types of dental restorations.”