You most likely have a general dentist you visit regularly for routine cleanings and maybe the occasional filling or restorative procedure. If you’ve never been to an endodontist before, you may be wondering what sets them apart from general dentists. In this overview we will compare these two dental fields to provide a deeper understanding of the unique roles they play in your oral health.
What is a General Dentist?
A general dentist holds the necessary degrees and certifications to provide general dentistry services. These typically cover a person’s basic dental needs, including preventive care, restorative procedures, and even cosmetic treatments. General dentistry can include much more than just these basic services, depending on the dentist’s level of expertise and particular skills.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional education and certification to provide endodontic services. Endodontics focuses on the health of teeth from the inside where the dental pulp resides, the lifeforce of a tooth. The goal of endodontic treatments and procedures is to restore the health of the dental pulp if it has become damaged or infected in order to save the natural tooth.
Similarities
Both general dentists and endodontists:
- Preserve your natural teeth when possible.
- Restore damaged or decayed teeth.
- Use dental X-rays for diagnostics.
- Have completed dental school and have earned dental degrees.
- Continue their professional development through ongoing educational opportunities.
- Collaborate with other dentists and dental specialists to provide the best possible care for patients.
Key Differences
Endodontists differ from general dentists in the following ways:
- Have completed additional education, training, and certification beyond their general dentistry degrees.
- Provide advanced procedures that treat infected, damaged, or at-risk teeth.
- Have unique knowledge and experience in specific endodontic procedures and treatments.
- May be able to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
Services Offered by General Dentists
Most general dental practices offer the following services:
- Preventive care. Dental cleanings and comprehensive oral exams are designed to maintain your oral health and preserve your natural teeth.
- Restorative procedures. When teeth are damaged or decayed, restorative procedures repair the damage.
- Cosmetic treatments. To improve the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic procedures can correct or conceal imperfections for a more natural smile.
General dentists may also offer:
- TMJ treatment. Jaw pain and limited range of motion are common symptoms that indicate TMJ disorder. Many general dentists provide a variety of TMJ treatments.
- Sleep apnea treatment. A general dentist may be able to provide you with an oral appliance to reduce snoring and other symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Orthodontics. A general dentist may provide orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligner therapy to straighten teeth.
- Other services related to oral health. General dentists are not limited to a specific list of services. They must simply have the necessary certification to provide any type of service.
Services Offered by Endodontists
Endodontists typically offer the following services:
- Root canal therapy. A root canal can often save a tooth by cleaning out the dental pulp and replacing it with a filler material that is resistant to infection.
- Endodontic retreatment. A tooth will sometimes need additional treatment after having a root canal.
- Endodontic (Apical) surgery. If the source of a tooth infection lies under the gums, endodontic surgery may be used to treat the root.
- Treatment for dental trauma. A tooth that has been injured or damaged can often be saved with prompt endodontic treatment.
- Internal bleaching. A discolored tooth can be bleached from the inside to achieve an optimal white shade.
- Treatment for cracked teeth. A cracked tooth will most likely need root canal therapy before being covered with a crown.
- Pulpectomy. Similar to a root canal, a pulpectomy is typically performed on a primary (baby) tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I go to an endodontist?
You may go to an endodontist in the following scenarios:
- Your dentist refers you to an endodontist for specialized treatment.
- Your tooth is still causing you problems after getting a root canal.
- You have sustained dental trauma or a cracked tooth.
- Your case is complex and affects the inside of the tooth.
- You have a severe toothache.
Is it better to have a root canal done by a general dentist or an endodontist?
Many general dentists provide root canal treatment, but an endodontist specializes in this procedure. An endodontist will have experience, training, and advanced technology that pertains specifically to root canal therapy and tooth restoration.
Contact Eagle Endodontics
If you’re in need of endodontic treatment, the experts at Eagle Endodontics are ready to provide the advanced care you need. Serving Lexington and Belmont Massachusetts as well as the surrounding areas, we are always excited to welcome new patients. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.