Your local endodontist is a dentist who has taken additional training in the area of endodontics. Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on treating infection or tooth disease of the inner area of the tooth, called the tooth pulp. If you need a root canal or have another issue with the inside of a tooth, your local general dentist will refer you to a local endodontist. During the root canal process, the local endodontist will clean out the infected root canal, fill it and fit it with a temporary crown. You will return at a later date to get a permanent crown. Your dental health affects your overall well-being, so talk to your local dentist and local family physician to learn more about healthy eating, proper chronic disease/chronic pain management and oral health.