An endodontist is a specialist who focuses on performing root canals. While a dentist does several things, such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and placing sealants, endodontists do one thing to treat tooth pain. By limiting their practice to endodontics, endodontists focus exclusively on dental pulp treatments. They complete an average of 25 root canal treatments per week, while general dentists usually do two.
Endodontists don't place fillings or clean teeth, but instead spend their time diagnosing and treating tooth pain. They are specialists who are experts in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose. 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. Endodontists, like medical specialists, have additional training so that they are qualified to care for a specific part of the body. Medical specialists have first been trained to become doctors and continue their education for years to focus on their specialty. Endodontists have similar educational training.
They first train to become general dentists. After earning their dental degree, they will spend an additional two to three years receiving their specialized training in endodontics. In fact, only three percent of dentists will continue their education to become endodontists. Digital x-rays and three-dimensional images allow endodontists to take detailed pictures of the anatomy of small teeth to better see root canals and any related infections.
Ideally, your dentist and endodontist will work together to address dental problems and preserve your long-term dental health. Like a doctor in any other field, 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. According to the American Association of Endodontists, the average general dentist will only perform about two endodontists per week, while the average endodontist performs 25.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. But what is an endodontist? And when should you go to one instead of your general dentist? Here's what you should know.
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