Endodontics:From the Greek endo (inside) and odons (tooth), is a specialists sub-field of dentistry that deals with the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth. The Pulp (containing nerves, blood vessels, as well as lymphatic tissue and fibrous tissue) can become diseased or injured, and is often unable to repair itself; if it dies, endodontic treatment is required.
Endodontists:Are dentists who have specialized in the field; qualification as an endodontist requires an additional 2-3 years of training following dental school. Many endodontic residents do original research and earn a masters degree as well as a specialty certificate. They specialize and limit their practice to root canal therapy and root canal surgery. They use their special training and experiences in treating difficult cases that are referred to them by general dentists who opt not to perform these cases, such as teeth with narrow or blocked canals, or unusual anatomy.
Other procedures practiced in endodontics include incision for drainage, internal tooth bleaching to fix teeth that have blackened because of infiltration of decayed soft tissue into the dentin in the teeth. This discoloration is most often seen in incisors (front teeth) that have been injured through a sudden impact. Apicoectomy and endodontic surgery are generally needed in cases of root factures, and problematic tooth anatomy, but may be indicated in treating teeth that have persistent root end pathosis following root canal treatment.
Dr. Stephen T. McInerney
Ferris State University and graduated in 1986 with a BS in biology.
University of Michigan Dental School and graduated in 1991 with a DDS.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and graduated in 1996 with a MS in Endodontics.
Served in the United States Naval Dental Corps 1991-1994
Dr. Krista L. Bortnick
University of Illinois, Chicago and graduated in 1991 with a BS in biology
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and graduated in 1997 with a DDS.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and graduated in 1999 with a MS in Endodontics.