What is an Endodontist and How Do They Differ from a Dentist?

An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on performing root canals. While a dentist does several things, such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and placing sealants, endodontists specialize in treating tooth pain. By limiting their practice to endodontics, they are experts in diagnosing and treating difficult-to-diagnose oral and facial pain. Endodontists have additional training beyond dental school, completing two to three years of specialized education in endodontics.

They use digital x-rays and three-dimensional images to take detailed pictures of the anatomy of small teeth to better see root canals and any related infections. The main difference between the endodontist and the dentist is the additional education an endodontist has in a specialty. Technically, dentists can perform all the jobs that the endodontist can perform, but their skills are more diversified. In addition, many dentists refer their patients to an endodontist when they need root canal treatment.

Ideally, your dentist and endodontist will work together to address dental problems and preserve your long-term dental health. Endodontists are specialists because they have completed two or more additional years of training beyond dental school. By working to help you maintain your natural teeth, endodontists can save you the cost and discomfort of needing dentures, partials, or implants. When you compare an endodontist to a dentist based on the procedures they perform, it can be helpful to understand your options for treatment. Both endodontists and dentists perform procedures on your teeth to protect your oral health.

These doctors differ in many important ways. Endodontists have materials and equipment designed to make your treatment more comfortable and successful. If you need root canal or root canal treatment, your dentist has the option of referring you to an endodontist or dental specialist for care of the inside of your teeth. You may wonder if it matters if you go to an endodontist or dentist when you need an oral health job. While general dentists can and do provide root canal therapy, many people prefer to visit endodontists because they have more training and experience.

Endodontists use specialized techniques to ensure that patients are completely comfortable during their treatments.