Why have I been referred to an Endodontist for my root filling?

All dentists, including your dentist, can carry out root canal treatment.

However, some teeth are more difficult to treat than others (due to their position, accessibility or size of the root canals). In such cases, specialised equipment and expertise is required for successful treatment.

An endodontist is a qualified dentist who has undergone advanced training.

In Andrew’s case, he has undertaken a Master of Science degree in Endodontics in 1991 from Guy’s Dental Hospital, followed by experience in the USA at the Pacific Endodontic Research Foundation and with renowned endodontic specialists.

The General Dental Council (the dentists’ governing body) have created a ‘Specialist Register in Endodontics’ for those endodontists who have sufficient post-graduate training and experience such as Andrew.

Your dentist has referred you on to us because he/she believes you have the best chance of a successful treatment if treated by a Specialist in Endodontics.

The surgery is equipped with specialised equipment so as to complete the treatment and a report together with a copy of your digital radiograph is sent to your referring dentist who will then know exactly what has been done.

Your dentist then resumes your dental care, initially by restoring the tooth that has been treated. This should, in most cases, be carried out within 2-3 weeks of completion of the endodontic treatment.