Last month we talked about dentophobia and ways to alleviate pain in the dentist’s chair through sedation. This month let’s look at how to choose the right dentist for your needs. Choosing well can help eliminate the stress of extra visits and take away some of the anxiety many feel when they experience a toothache.
First, to clarify, endodontists are dentists who specialize in tooth pain, disease, and infection. They have extra training which helps them to diagnose and treat problems. They are specialists with one to two years of extra training beyond standard dental school. This training focuses on procedures related to the interior of teeth. They can perform root canals, which is a treatment designed to save an infected or decayed tooth. Less than 3% of dentists are endodontists.
What does an endodontist do?
According to the American Association of Endodontists website, endodontists differ from regular dentists in the following 3 ways:
Endodontists Have Specialized Expertise
By limiting their practice to endodontics, endodontists focus exclusively on treatments of dental pulp. Endodontists don’t place fillings or clean teeth — they dedicate their time to diagnosing and treating tooth pain. They are skilled specialists in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnosis.
Endodontists Are Experts in Pain Management
Endodontists use specialized techniques to ensure patients are thoroughly comfortable during their treatments. They are experts in administering numbing medications, especially in patients who traditionally have problems getting and staying numb. In addition to treating you comfortably, patients will be relieved of tooth pain after their root canal procedure when the pulp infection or inflammation heals.
Endodontists Use Cutting-Edge Technologies
Endodontists have materials and equipment designed to make your treatment more comfortable and successful. They use a small sheet of plastic or rubber called a dental dam to isolate the tooth during treatment, protecting the rest of your mouth. Digital radiographs and 3-D imaging allows endodontists to take detailed pictures of tiny tooth anatomy to better see the root canals and any related infections. Endodontists use dental operating microscopes to better see inside the root canals to thoroughly treat them.1
Dr. Elena Kan of Park Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Elena Kan is a Board-Certified Endodontist (ABE). Less than 25% of endodontists hold the prestigious ABE Certification.
Dr. Kan achieved the Certificate in Endodontics and Master of Science degree from the Department of Endodontics 3-year post-doctorate graduate specialty program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. Her research during her residency was titled, “Periapical Microsurgery: The Effects of Locally Injected Dexamethasone on Post-Operative Healing”, which studied the effects of steroids on reducing pain and healing time. Her research was published in the industry’s top publication: “Journal of Endodontics”, Volume 42, Number 11, November 2016.
Dr. Kan is licensed to practice in both Florida and North Carolina. She is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, Florida Endodontic Association and numerous local dental organizations.
She was born in Russia and attended Omsk Regional Medical College for her degree in dentistry. She practiced general dentistry in Omsk for a decade. Before immigrating to the U.S., she was practicing general dentistry in a dual clinic setting where she was the senior dentist in one of the clinics that employed 11 dentists. Her extensive experience in operative procedures, cosmetic restorations, pediatric and family dentistry gives her a unique perspective as a specialist.
Upon immigrating to the U.S. in 2003, she began learning English and the basics of the American life. Dr. Kan repeated dental school in U.S. and graduated from the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill with her degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Afterwards, she continued her education to specialize in Endodontics at UNC.
When you’re ready to experience excellence in dentistry and begin the process of designing your perfect smile, contact Park Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, or set up your appointment online. It’s easier than you think – and you’ll be surprised at how affordable it can be. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us today.
PARK Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
690 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N.
239-330-4208
1. What’s the difference between a dentist and an endodontist?
(2022) American Association of Endodontists. Available at:
https://www.aae.org/patients/why-see-an-endodontist/whats-
difference-dentist-endodontist/.