An endodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats problems involving the dental pulp, nerves, and tissues inside a tooth. Endodontists receive advanced training in root canal therapy, complex tooth pain, dental injuries, and procedures intended to save natural teeth.
Not every toothache requires treatment from an endodontist. At Soft Touch Dental, we carefully examine the tooth, identify the source of the problem, and explain whether treatment can be completed in our Forest Hills office or whether specialized care may be appropriate.
Tooth pain can be difficult to understand. A tooth may look normal from the outside while inflammation, infection, or injury is developing beneath the enamel. Some people experience sharp pain when biting, while others notice lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods. In certain cases, the first sign of a problem is swelling near the gums or a change in the color of a tooth.
When a problem affects the tissues inside a tooth, endodontic care may be needed. An endodontist is a dentist who has completed additional education focused on diagnosing and treating conditions involving the dental pulp, root canals, and tissues surrounding the roots of the teeth. Although root canal therapy is the procedure most commonly associated with endodontics, the specialty also includes diagnosing complex tooth pain, treating dental injuries, and managing teeth that have not healed properly following previous treatment.
At Soft Touch Dental, we help patients in Forest Hills understand the cause of their symptoms and the treatment options available to them. Our goal is to relieve discomfort, address infection, and preserve the natural tooth whenever doing so is healthy and predictable. If a case requires the attention of an endodontist in Forest Hills, we can explain why that level of specialized care may be helpful.
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the interior of the tooth and the tissues surrounding its root. The word comes from terms meaning “inside” and “tooth,” which accurately describes the specialty’s primary area of focus.
The visible portion of a tooth is covered by enamel, which is the hard outer surface that protects the layers underneath. Beneath the enamel is dentin, a less dense material containing microscopic channels that can transmit sensation. At the center of the tooth is the pulp chamber. This chamber contains dental pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
During tooth development, the pulp supplies nutrients and supports the formation of the tooth. Once a permanent tooth is fully mature, it can continue functioning even if the damaged pulp must be removed. This biological fact makes root canal therapy possible. By removing inflamed or infected tissue, disinfecting the internal canal system, and sealing the space, a dentist or endodontist may be able to preserve the tooth rather than extract it.
Endodontic care is therefore not simply about treating pain. It is about understanding the source of the pain and determining whether the natural tooth can remain a healthy, functional part of the smile.
All endodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are endodontists. After completing dental school, an endodontist completes additional advanced education focused specifically on diseases and injuries affecting the inside of the tooth.
This specialized training involves studying complex root anatomy, pain diagnosis, infection management, dental trauma, root canal retreatment, and endodontic surgery. Endodontists generally devote most or all of their clinical time to procedures involving the pulp and roots of teeth.
A general dentist provides a broader range of care. This can include preventive examinations, dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, cosmetic procedures, tooth replacement, and treatment for common oral health problems. Many general dentists also perform root canal therapy, especially when the tooth has relatively predictable anatomy and the condition can be treated appropriately in a general dental setting.
At Soft Touch Dental, we evaluate each patient individually. A straightforward root canal may be treated in our office. A tooth with unusually complex canals, a previous root canal that has failed, significant trauma, or a difficult-to-identify source of pain may benefit from evaluation by an endodontist. Referring a patient for specialized treatment does not end the relationship with the general dentist. Instead, the providers work together to preserve the tooth and restore it properly.
The dental pulp occupies the innermost part of the tooth. It extends from the pulp chamber in the crown of the tooth through narrow channels inside the roots. These channels are known as root canals.
A healthy pulp responds normally to temperature and other stimuli. When decay, a crack, repeated dental treatment, or an injury irritates the pulp, it may become inflamed. In its earliest stage, the inflammation may be reversible. Treating the source of irritation, such as a cavity, may allow the pulp to recover.
If the inflammation progresses, the damage may become irreversible. The tooth may produce intense pain, prolonged sensitivity, or spontaneous throbbing. Eventually, the pulp can lose its blood supply and die. Bacteria may then travel through the canal system and reach the bone surrounding the root.
Once the pulp has been irreversibly damaged or infected, it cannot heal in the same way that skin or other tissues can. Root canal therapy may be needed to remove the affected tissue and disinfect the internal space. Without appropriate care, the infection can become more extensive and reduce the likelihood that the tooth can be saved.
An endodontist is trained to identify and manage a wide range of conditions involving the interior of the tooth. These conditions do not always produce obvious symptoms, which is why a detailed examination and appropriate imaging are important.
Root canal therapy is the most familiar endodontic procedure. It is used when the pulp has become irreversibly inflamed, infected, or nonvital. Endodontists may also perform retreatment when a tooth continues to cause problems after an earlier root canal. Retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the previous filling material, cleaning areas that may still contain bacteria, and resealing the canal system.
Endodontists also evaluate cracked teeth and traumatic dental injuries. A fall, sports injury, collision, or other accident can damage the pulp even when the exterior of the tooth appears relatively intact. Front teeth may become discolored months or years after an injury because the internal tissues have been affected.
In certain cases, an endodontist may perform an apicoectomy. This is a surgical procedure involving the tip of a tooth’s root and the surrounding infected or inflamed tissue. It is generally considered when conventional treatment or retreatment cannot adequately resolve the problem.
Symptoms involving the dental pulp can vary significantly. Severe pain is possible, but some infected teeth produce only mild symptoms or no noticeable discomfort at all. Patients should schedule an examination when they experience changes that do not resolve or cannot be explained.
Warning signs can include:
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a root canal is necessary. A cracked filling, gum inflammation, sinus pressure, teeth grinding, exposed root surface, or bite problem can sometimes produce similar discomfort. An accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment begins.
Patients in Forest Hills should not wait for pain to become unbearable before scheduling an evaluation. Earlier care may provide more treatment options and improve the possibility of preserving the affected tooth.
Determining where dental pain originates can be surprisingly complex. A patient may feel discomfort in an upper tooth when the true source is a neighboring tooth, a lower tooth, or even sinus pressure. Pain can also radiate into the jaw, ear, temple, or surrounding facial muscles.
The diagnostic process begins with a detailed discussion of the symptoms. We may ask when the pain started, whether it occurs spontaneously, how long temperature sensitivity lasts, and whether biting or releasing pressure causes discomfort. Information about recent dental work, injuries, nighttime grinding, and changes in general health can also be helpful.
A clinical examination allows us to look for decay, fractures, defective restorations, gum swelling, changes in tooth color, and signs of infection. Individual teeth may be tested for sensitivity to temperature, tapping, pressure, or palpation. Dental imaging can reveal deep decay, bone changes near a root, unusual canal anatomy, or problems beneath an existing crown or filling.
Soft Touch Dental also offers CBCT technology. When clinically appropriate, three-dimensional imaging can provide additional information about dental structures that may not be fully visible on a conventional two-dimensional X-ray. The appropriate imaging method depends on the patient’s symptoms and diagnostic needs.
Many root canals can be completed successfully by a general dentist. However, some teeth have anatomy or clinical circumstances that make treatment more complicated. Molars, for example, may contain several roots and multiple narrow canals. Some canals curve sharply, divide into smaller branches, or become difficult to locate because of calcification.
A referral may be recommended when the tooth has complex anatomy, a previous root canal has not healed, a dental instrument has fractured inside a canal, or symptoms continue even though the source is not clear. An endodontist may also be helpful when treating certain traumatic injuries, immature permanent teeth, significant resorption, or infections that require surgical care.
Patients searching for an endodontist in Forest Hills may first benefit from an examination at Soft Touch Dental. We can determine whether the symptoms are endodontic, restorative, periodontal, or related to another condition. If specialized treatment is appropriate, we can help the patient understand the diagnosis and what to expect next.
Root canal therapy is performed to remove damaged or infected pulp while preserving the external structure of the tooth. Modern anesthesia, instruments, and techniques have made the procedure far more comfortable than its outdated reputation suggests.
The tooth is first numbed with local anesthesia. Once the treatment area is comfortable, the tooth is isolated to help maintain a clean working environment. A small opening is created so the dentist or endodontist can reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
The damaged tissue is removed, and the canals are carefully cleaned and shaped. Disinfecting solutions help reduce bacteria and remove remaining organic material. After the canals have been prepared, they are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material designed for endodontic treatment.
Some cases can be completed during one appointment, while others require additional visits. The number of visits may depend on the tooth’s anatomy, the severity of the infection, and whether medication needs to be placed inside the tooth between appointments.
Root canal therapy addresses the internal disease, but the tooth must also be restored. A permanent filling or ceramic crown may be recommended to protect the remaining structure and restore comfortable chewing. Back teeth frequently require crowns because they withstand substantial biting forces and may be vulnerable to fracture after extensive decay or treatment.
The purpose of a root canal is to relieve pain caused by inflamed or infected tissue. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area before treatment begins. Many patients describe the experience as being similar to receiving a filling.
A tooth with a severe infection can sometimes be more challenging to numb, which is one reason careful technique and pain management are important. Patients should tell the dental team if they feel anything sharp or uncomfortable during treatment. Additional anesthetic can often be provided when necessary.
Mild tenderness after the procedure is possible, especially when biting. The tissues around the root may remain sensitive while inflammation subsides and healing begins. This discomfort typically improves gradually. Patients should follow their provider’s instructions and contact the office if pain becomes severe, swelling develops, or symptoms worsen rather than improve.
Whenever possible, preserving a healthy, functional natural tooth is generally preferable to removing it. A natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing, supports the surrounding bone, and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into an open space.
Extraction can sometimes be necessary when a tooth is fractured below the gumline, lacks adequate bone support, or is too extensively damaged to restore. When a tooth can be predictably treated and rebuilt, however, root canal therapy may prevent the need for extraction and replacement.
Replacing a missing tooth may involve a dental bridge, dental implant, or removable denture. These are valuable treatments when a tooth cannot be saved, but they require additional procedures and planning. An endodontic evaluation may help determine whether preserving the original tooth remains a reasonable option.
Our Forest Hills practice provides comprehensive care so patients can address preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and tooth replacement needs in a familiar setting. Services listed on our website include:
Our technology includes the 3Shape TRIOS® intraoral scanner, CBCT imaging, and laser dentistry. The specific technology used during an appointment depends on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
Dr. Michael Samandarov is the lead dentist at Soft Touch Dental. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the NYU College of Dentistry and has a background as a dental technician. This combination of clinical and technical experience supports a detailed approach to evaluating, planning, and restoring teeth.
Soft Touch Dental is located at 65-14 108th Street in Forest Hills, Queens. Our location allows patients from Forest Hills and surrounding Queens communities to receive evaluation and ongoing dental care close to home.
Local access is especially valuable when a patient has a toothache, swelling, or pain that interferes with eating or sleeping. These symptoms can make it difficult to travel far or wait several weeks for an appointment. Beginning with a comprehensive examination helps establish whether the problem involves the pulp, gums, jaw muscles, bite, or another structure.
Continuity of care is also important. A root canal is often only one stage in restoring a damaged tooth. The tooth may require a permanent filling or crown, followed by routine examinations to monitor its condition. Receiving diagnosis, restoration, and preventive care through a local dental practice can make this process easier to coordinate.
Forest Hills is a busy and diverse Queens community where residents balance work, school, family responsibilities, commuting, and everyday activities. When a tooth begins to hurt, it can quickly interfere with that routine. Persistent pain may make it difficult to concentrate at work, enjoy a meal along Austin Street, sleep comfortably, or participate in family and community activities. Having access to timely dental evaluation close to home can make managing an unexpected tooth problem less stressful.
Our office is located at 65-14 108th Street in Forest Hills, making comprehensive dental care accessible to patients from the surrounding neighborhood and nearby Queens communities such as Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Corona, and Elmhurst. Whether discomfort begins suddenly or gradually develops over several weeks, we encourage local patients to have the tooth examined before the problem becomes more severe.
Forest Hills residents may also face dental injuries during recreational activities, school sports, commuting, or everyday accidents. A tooth that has been chipped, cracked, or struck may sustain internal damage even when the injury does not initially seem serious. Prompt evaluation allows us to assess the tooth’s structure, pulp health, and surrounding bone before recommending the appropriate care.
Patients searching for an endodontist in Forest Hills do not always know whether their symptoms require a specialist. At Soft Touch Dental, we can provide an initial examination, review appropriate dental images, identify the likely source of discomfort, and explain the available treatment options. Some root canal cases may be treated in our office, while more complex conditions may require referral for specialized endodontic care.
Our local approach also supports continuity after treatment. A tooth that receives root canal therapy may need a permanent filling or ceramic crown, along with future examinations to monitor its health. By coordinating diagnosis, restoration, and preventive care from our Forest Hills office, we help patients protect their treated teeth and maintain comfortable, functional smiles for years to come.
The mouth may remain numb for a short time following treatment. Until normal sensation returns, patients should avoid chewing and should be careful with hot foods and beverages. Accidentally biting a numb cheek, lip, or tongue can cause unnecessary injury.
Some tenderness around the treated tooth is normal. Patients should follow the instructions provided for pain relief, oral hygiene, and medication. Antibiotics are not required for every root canal, but if they are prescribed, they should be taken exactly as directed.
A tooth with a temporary restoration should be treated carefully. Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods can place excessive pressure on the remaining tooth structure. Patients should not delay the final restoration because an untreated or temporarily sealed tooth may be more vulnerable to cracking.
Brushing and flossing should continue unless the treating provider gives different instructions. Long-term success also depends on routine dental examinations, professional cleanings, and early treatment of new decay or gum disease.
Understanding what an endodontist does can make an unfamiliar dental recommendation feel much less intimidating. Endodontic treatment focuses on diagnosing problems inside the tooth, relieving pain, controlling infection, and preserving natural teeth whenever possible.
If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, temperature sensitivity, swelling, discomfort when chewing, or changes following a dental injury, the most important step is obtaining an accurate diagnosis. At Soft Touch Dental, we provide careful evaluations and personalized recommendations for patients in Forest Hills and surrounding Queens communities. When root canal therapy can be completed appropriately in our office, we will explain each stage of care. If evaluation by an endodontist in Forest Hills is advisable, we will help you understand the reason for that recommendation.
Prompt care can protect your health, reduce discomfort, and improve the chance of saving the affected tooth. Contact Soft Touch Dental to schedule an appointment and receive guidance based on your specific symptoms and oral health needs.
An endodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty education focused on the dental pulp, root canals, and tissues surrounding the roots of teeth. Endodontists diagnose complex tooth pain and perform procedures intended to relieve infection and preserve natural teeth.
The terms are often used interchangeably because root canal therapy is a major part of endodontic practice. However, endodontists also diagnose unexplained dental pain, treat traumatic injuries, perform root canal retreatment, and provide certain endodontic surgical procedures.
No. General dentists often perform root canals when a case is appropriate for treatment in a general dental office. An endodontist may be recommended when a tooth has complex anatomy, has already received root canal treatment, has sustained significant trauma, or presents diagnostic challenges.
Pain alone cannot confirm the need for a root canal. Persistent pain, lingering temperature sensitivity, discomfort when biting, swelling, or a darkened tooth can indicate pulpal damage, but other dental conditions can cause similar symptoms. An examination and dental imaging are needed for an accurate diagnosis.
An infection inside the root canal system generally cannot heal permanently on its own. Symptoms may temporarily decrease if pressure is relieved or the pulp tissue dies, but bacteria can remain inside the tooth. Root canal therapy or extraction may be necessary to address the source of infection.
Antibiotics may help when an infection has spread into surrounding tissues, but they do not remove infected tissue from inside the tooth. If the pulp is irreversibly damaged or infected, definitive dental treatment is usually needed.
Treatment time varies according to the tooth’s location, number of canals, anatomy, and level of infection. Some root canals can be completed in one appointment, while more complicated cases may require two or more visits.
Many teeth, particularly molars and premolars, benefit from a crown after root canal treatment because they are exposed to significant chewing pressure. The appropriate restoration depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and where the tooth is located.
Delaying treatment may allow inflammation or infection to progress. Pain and swelling can worsen, supporting bone may be affected, and the tooth may become more difficult or impossible to save. Prompt evaluation is important even if symptoms temporarily improve.
Soft Touch Dental evaluates tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, dental injuries, and other oral health concerns at our office at 65-14 108th Street in Forest Hills. New patients can call (718) 502-6254, and existing patients can call (718) 997-8400 to request an appointment.