What Does an Endodontist Do? Expert Root Canal Care in Allentown, PA
If you’ve been told you need a root canal or you’re searching for an endodontist near Allentown, PA, you may be wondering what makes a specialist different from a general dentist.
At Endodontics Excellence of PA, located at 1605 N. Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 308, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104, endodontic care is focused exclusively on saving natural teeth through advanced, precise, and compassionate treatment.
Led by Dr. Ingrid Dapkute and Dr. Greg Newman, our practice provides expert-driven care in a reassuring, patient-centered environment. We proudly serve patients within 25 miles of Allentown, helping adults and seniors preserve their smiles with state-of-the-art endodontic treatment.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, dental trauma, or have been referred for root canal therapy, this guide will help you understand what to expect.
What Is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating issues inside the tooth — specifically the pulp, root canals, and surrounding tissues.
After dental school, endodontists complete additional years of specialty training in:
- Root canal therapy
- Endodontic microsurgery
- Treatment of traumatic dental injuries
- Root-end surgery (apicoectomy)
- Regenerative endodontic procedures
At Endodontics Excellence of PA, our team uses advanced imaging and microsurgical techniques to treat complex cases with precision and comfort.
Learn more about our specialty services here:
Endodontic Services
Why You Might Need an Endodontist
Patients are typically referred to an endodontist for:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or infection
- Cracked teeth
- Dental trauma
- Failed previous root canals
Unlike general dentists, endodontists perform root canal procedures daily, allowing for a higher level of efficiency and expertise.
If you’re experiencing urgent symptoms, we offer prompt evaluation and same-day emergency care when possible:
Endodontic Emergencies
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure designed to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth, disinfect the canal system, and seal it to prevent reinfection.
The goal is simple: save your natural tooth and eliminate pain.
At Endodontics Excellence of PA, root canal treatment includes:
- Thorough diagnostic evaluation
- 3D cone beam imaging when necessary
- Microscope-enhanced precision
- Gentle numbing techniques
- Detailed aftercare guidance
Explore our root canal therapy process here:
Root Canal Treatment
Most procedures are completed comfortably in one visit.
Advanced Technology for Better Outcomes
Precision is critical in endodontics. Our practice incorporates:
- 3D cone beam imaging for detailed visualization
- Dental operating microscopes
- Evidence-based treatment protocols
- Advanced microsurgical techniques
Learn more about our commitment to innovation:
Advanced Endodontic Technology
This technology allows us to diagnose complex anatomy, detect hidden fractures, and improve long-term success rates.
Specialty Endodontic Procedures
In addition to traditional root canal therapy, we offer advanced procedures for more complex cases.
Apicoectomy (Root-End Surgery)
If a previous root canal does not heal properly, a surgical procedure may be required to remove infection at the root tip.
Learn more:
Apicoectomy Treatment
Root-End Therapy
Microsurgical root-end therapy can preserve a tooth when conventional treatment alone is insufficient.
Regenerative Endodontics
In certain cases, regenerative procedures may stimulate continued root development and healing.
Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries
We provide specialized care for teeth affected by sports injuries, accidents, or fractures.
Internal Tooth Bleaching
If a tooth becomes discolored after root canal treatment, internal bleaching can restore its appearance.
Meet Dr. Ingrid Dapkute
Dr. Ingrid Dapkute brings advanced academic training and a compassionate approach to every patient interaction.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Summa Cum Laude
- DMD and Master of Oral Biology from University of Pennsylvania
- Research at the National Institutes of Health
- Specialty Certificate in Endodontics (UPenn)
- Award for best case presentation
- Contributor to Microsurgery in Endodontics textbook
She has taught continuing education courses in micro-endodontics and is recognized for her expertise in apical surgery and caring for anxious patients.
Learn more about her background:
About Dr. Ingrid Dapkute
Meet Dr. Greg Newman
With over 28 years of experience and more than 32,000 endodontic procedures performed, Dr. Greg Newman offers exceptional clinical expertise.
- Bachelor of Science from Penn State University
- DMD and Endodontic Specialty Certificate from Temple University
- Former clinical instructor
- Founding doctor of a multi-location endodontic practice
Patients appreciate his calm demeanor, clear communication, and commitment to delivering a positive treatment experience.
A Reassuring, Patient-Focused Experience
At Endodontics Excellence of PA, we understand that many patients feel anxious about root canal treatment.
Our approach emphasizes:
- Clear explanations before treatment
- Gentle techniques
- Efficient appointments
- Respect for your comfort
- Transparent financial discussions
We also offer financing through CareCredit to make treatment accessible.
New patient information is available here:
Patient Information
Why Choose an Endodontist Instead of Extraction?
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option for long-term oral health.
Benefits of root canal treatment include:
- Preserving natural chewing function
- Preventing shifting of surrounding teeth
- Avoiding more complex restorative procedures
- Maintaining natural appearance
Endodontic treatment is often more cost-effective long term than extraction followed by implants or bridges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. With advanced numbing techniques and technology, most patients report that the procedure feels similar to getting a filling.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canal procedures are completed in one visit lasting 60–90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the tooth.
What is an apicoectomy?
An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that removes infection from the tip of a tooth’s root when standard root canal therapy is not sufficient.
When should I see an endodontist instead of a general dentist?
If you have complex root anatomy, persistent infection, dental trauma, or a failed previous root canal, your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist for specialized care.
Do you accept financing?
Yes. We offer CareCredit financing options to help make endodontic treatment affordable and accessible.
Not always. While many patients are referred by their general dentist, you can also schedule an appointment directly.
Serving Allentown and Surrounding Communities
We proudly serve patients within 25 miles of Allentown, including surrounding Lehigh Valley communities. If you’ve been referred by your general dentist or are experiencing tooth pain, our team is ready to help.
Endodontic Excellence of PA
Phone
Hours
- Monday – Friday:
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed