Endodontics: Top Procedures, Stats, and How to Find the Right Specialist (2026 Guide)
March 30, 2026 · by the Help Me Find A Doctor editorial team
A patient-friendly guide to endodontics — what specialists do, the most common procedures (root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, apicoectomy), and what to look for when choosing one.
Root canals and saving compromised teeth. Below: the procedures patients ask about most, the numbers that put the field in context, and the questions worth raising at a first consultation with a endodontics specialist.
Top procedures & treatments
Root canal therapy (RCT)
Removes infected pulp and seals the canal system — typically 1–2 visits.
Endodontic retreatment
Revises a previous root canal when infection persists.
Apicoectomy
Surgical removal of the root tip when conventional RCT cannot resolve infection.
Pulp regeneration in immature teeth
Stem-cell-based therapy for traumatized teeth in adolescents.
Cracked-tooth diagnosis
Microscopic and CBCT evaluation to detect occult fractures.
By the numbers
- ~22 million root canal treatments are performed in the U.S. each year.
- Modern endodontically-treated teeth have ~95% 5-year survival.
- Endodontists use surgical microscopes and CBCT in nearly every case.
How to choose the right specialist
Verify board certification, ask how many of your specific procedure the clinician performs each year, and review patient outcomes — not just star ratings. A endodontics provider who clearly explains your options, the evidence, and the realistic recovery timeline is worth more than the most heavily advertised name.
Use our directory to filter endodontics specialists by city, then bring this article (and the FAQ below) to your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does a root canal hurt?
Modern anesthesia and microscopic technique make most root canals no more uncomfortable than a filling.
How long does a root canal last?
With a proper crown afterward, treated teeth routinely last decades.
Topics covered