There are various reasons you may need to see an endodontist, but in all cases, we are trying to save your tooth. Typically, you would seek the care of an endodontist if the pulp of your tooth has become inflamed due to decay or disease, or when the pulp has been injured due to trauma (cracked or knocked out teeth fall into this category.)
Because the pulp has lost its ability to heal itself, endodontic therapy should be started as soon as a diagnosis has been made, at which time most teeth can be saved. Otherwise, serious conditions such as severe tooth ache, increased infection of the tooth and gums or even tooth loss can occur.