UT Dentistry

Orthodontic Evaluation

Also called: Evaluation for braces, evaluation for root canal

If you have a gap, overlap, overbite, underbite or tooth pain that might require a root canal, you should see an orthodontist or endodontist for a full evaluation.

What to expect: Orthodontic evaluation

The orthodontist will examine your teeth and their roots, both visually and through an X-ray examination. The orthodontist will look for issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye, including:

  • Crossbite: When upper teeth do not close slightly overlapping the lower teeth
  • Open bite: When the front teeth do not fit snugly together when the jaw is closed
  • Misplaced midline: When your teeth do not line up over the midline of your jaw
  • Spacing: Excessive gaps or space between teeth
  • Crowding: When there are too many teeth to fit within your mouth comfortably
     

What to expect: Endodontic evaluation

An endodontic evaluation will examine the tooth roots and pulp where the nerve of the tooth is located. If there is damage to the tooth, it must be examined to determine whether or not endodontic treatment, such as a root canal or non-vital pulp therapy, is required. Root canals or tooth extraction with dental implants may be necessary.