What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and an Endodontist?
While dentists are great at treating generalized dental irregularities, sometimes we need a specialist to help us with our complex needs! Just as there are medical professions that specialize in specific bodily complexities, the same applies to dentistry! Our endodontists are professionals who specialize in the workings of the inner tooth and can apply many more treatments and diagnoses for problems occurring inside the teeth. If you are experiencing tooth pain or problems related to the inner part of the tooth or have been referred by a dentist, look no further than Ideal Endodontist in Woodbridge VA, or Washington DC! For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online.
Table of Contents:
Why would my dentist send me to an endodontist?
Should I go to a dentist or endodontist for a root canal?
Is an endodontist better than a dentist?
When should I see an endodontist?
The field of dentistry contains several different professions, from general dentists to dental specialists. General dentists act as primary care because they deal with the majority of dental health problems and are skilled in a variety of treatments and procedures to provide care for common dental concerns. As with any field of medicine, specialists focus on treating advanced cases that involve a certain structure or region. Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on the treatment of conditions that affect the soft tissues inside the teeth and can save even severely damaged or infected teeth.
There are several reasons why a dentist might refer a patient to an endodontist, including:
• They Suspect That a Root Canal is Needed — When dealing with the symptoms of infected tooth pulp, dentists will most likely want an endodontist to conduct an examination and potentially perform a root canal procedure.
• To Examine a Previous Root Canal — Root canal treatments have a success rate of over 90 percent when followed by the addition of a dental crown on top. However unlikely, root canals can still fail, and when they do, endodontists are the most experienced professionals to perform a root canal re-treatment.
• To Evaluate a Potential Cracked Tooth — When cracks form in teeth, the exposed area can let in bacteria that can damage the tooth’s pulp if it causes an infection. In many cases, the only thing that can preserve a natural tooth that has suffered a crack is a root canal performed by an experienced endodontist.
• To Perform an Apicoectomy — An apicoectomy is an endodontic procedure that fills and seals the root tip of the tooth from the root end of the tooth. These are most often performed when a previous root canal has failed.
A dentist can perform basic root canals, however, they will likely refer complex cases to an endodontist, as they receive advanced training in endodontic therapy and have more experience performing root canals.
Dentists and endodontists both receive an education from dental school, however, the length of training and focus of education differ between the two professions. Many endodontists begin their careers in general practice. However, while all endodontists are considered dentists, due to the difference in experience and education, less than three percent of dentists are endodontists. Endodontists undergo two or more years of specialized training to diagnose tooth pain and perform procedures relating to the interior of a tooth, most often root canals. Their practice often solely focuses on endodontic procedures and they perform an average of 25 root canal treatments every week.
The most common reasons to see an endodontist are:
• Tooth Pain and Sensitivity to Heat And Cold — Tooth sensitivity can indicate a problem with the inside of the tooth, which is best treated by an endodontist.
• Bacterial Infection — Infections of the teeth are serious and should always be handled by a professional as soon as possible.
• Tooth Injury — Injuries such as damaged or chipped teeth are best treated by an endodontist because they are experienced at saving teeth and reforming them to fit perfectly inside the mouth.
If you have been referred to an endodontist by your dentist, come to Ideal Endodontics today! Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating all endodontic concerns and can help you improve your oral.
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