How to Select an Endodontist

Endodontic care requires experience, knowledge, and equipment to improve comfort and outcomes. Therefore, you may not get the same results by choosing just any endodontist from a search online. Find out how to select an endodontist based on the criteria that really matter. Use this guide from us at Innovative Endodontics to make the best choice for your provider for endodontic care.

Why You May Need to Search for the “Best Endodontist Near Me”

Not everyone will need to see an endodontist during their lifetime. Therefore, you may find it hard to get recommendations for one of these dental specialists from friends or family. Many people in this situation turn to the internet to search. The most straightforward search used is “best endodontist near me.”

While the results from such a search will show nearby providers, they do not tell you more than location or basic reviews. Don’t rely only on these Google reviews. Look for other review sites to gather as much information about patient experiences as possible.

Reading patient reviews can help you to get an idea of what other people thought of the endodontists. However, make sure to look at reviews from multiple sites. Plus, look at the number of reviews that a provider has. For example, a 5-star-rated endodontist who only has one review should not carry as much weight as a 4.5-star rated provider with 200 reviews. Also, read some of the reasons behind the one-star reviews. In some cases, their reasons for the low rating may not apply to your case. Lastly, focus on the most recent reviews for an endodontist as older ones may not reflect current staff or offerings.

During your search for how to select an endodontist, you will need to do some digging to find out more about the different providers to pinpoint the best option for your needs. During your research, you may even want to expand the distance from your home, where you search to find the best endodontist to provide your treatment.

Look at Their Experience and Education

As with all professionals, find out more about their experience and education. Endodontists distinguish themselves from dentists because they need additional education after dental school to earn their endodontist’s degrees. During this extra schooling, they learn about the interior anatomy of teeth, how to perform endodontic surgery, the best ways to save teeth from extractions, and how to reduce or eliminate patient pain and discomfort.

You may also want to find out if the endodontist conducted research or had a focus during their studies or special designations. For example, Dr. Estes worked on antibiotic endodontic materials to prevent infections in patients to earn her Master’s in Dentistry. Additionally, Dr. Estes is a board-certified endodontist, which is the highest designation level in the field. Only approximately 30% of endodontists successfully complete the requirements to attain board certification.

Find Out About Technology They Use to Improve Care

What type of technology does the endodontist use in their practice? While some providers choose to remain with tried-and-true low-tech methods, these may not provide the best care and lowest pain for patients. 

For instance, before beginning treatment, an endodontist needs a clear view of your tooth. They can get a better, clearer picture with three-dimensional imaging than with traditional x-rays. By clearly seeing the tooth, the endodontist can make a plan that minimizes invasiveness while still optimizing the procedure outcome.

Another example of technology helping endodontists offer better care is the use of surgical microscopes. Unlike dentists, endodontists operate and perform non-surgical procedures on the roots and the root canals of the teeth. These areas are very tiny. To ensure accuracy and precision, the endodontist needs to see inside the area throughout the procedure. A surgical microscope gives them the view they require to perform the procedure at their best.

Locate an Endodontist Convenient to You

Since some types of endodontic treatment require multiple visits, you will likely want to find a provider who is close to your home or office. One of the benefits of living in a major city, like Charleston, SC, is the availability of freeways to travel even to more distant locations fast. So, look at travel time rather than distance when finding an endodontist that is close to you. These tips can help narrow down your research on how to select an endodontist.

Additionally, don’t forget about the convenience of getting to their office. Some locations are easier to reach, even if they are farther away. For instance, an endodontist located in a high-rise office building may be more difficult to get to than a provider with an office located in front of its own parking lot.

An endodontist who requires less time for you to get to and is in a convenient, easy-to-reach spot can make it easier for you to get to your appointments on time and arrive at follow-up visits.

Ask for a Referral from Your Dentist for an Endodontist They Recommend

When finding an endodontist, you may need to get a referral from your dentist. When getting a referral, you will need to talk to your dentist about whom they recommend for your endodontic treatment.

In some cases, they may already have an endodontist whom they trust and feel comfortable recommending their patients to. However, you can also ask your dentist about the endodontists you’ve discovered during your research. If you have a specific endodontist in mind, feel free to ask for a referral from your dentist.

Find Out More About Innovative Endodontics Serving Charleston, SC

Learn more about how to select an endodontist and how Innovative Endodontics is changing the reputation of root canal therapy by providing painless treatment and compassionate care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to find out more about our practice. We’re conveniently located in the North Charleston, SC, area and are prepared to help you preserve your smile and your natural teeth through our quality endodontic care.