Some people are either confused between the two terms, or they don’t know what each of them actually does. But there is a clear difference between a general dentist and an endodontist. A general dentist provides treatments that will help in preserving the health & beauty of your teeth as well as your smile. However, these treatments are invaluable at times. For specialized treatments, patients should consult an endodontist. But the confusion here is what makes an endodontist different from a dentist and why you need to visit one when the dentists are already available.
Let’s take a look at the reasons behind this.
What does an endodontist do?
You may have heard of “Root Canal Therapy” when your tooth suffers severe damage or infection because that can help preserve your tooth’s function. This mostly happens when you have sensitive teeth. And the first person that comes to your mind when you hear the word “Tooth” is a dentist. But that’s where you need an endodontist. Endodontists are root canal doctors who are specialists in procedures that cure problems associated with the pulp and root of your tooth. Dentists are trained to perform these therapies and diagnose such problems. That’s also the reason why, when the cases become severe or complex, dentists refer the patient to an endodontist who knows how to alleviate the discomfort in the best possible manner.
All in all, your general dentist will refer you to an endodontist in the first place if the issue is with your root and pulp or if there is any severe injury. Apart from providing “Root Canal Therapy”, endodontists specialize in surgeries required for fixing teeth that didn’t heal even after a root canal. So, whether it is about saving teeth that were damaged because of a severe injury or you want some help about preserving the functioning of them, there is no better option than endodontics.
Difference between Dentist and Endodontist
Both these are “Dental Care Specialists”, and there is no denying that each of them has his own specialities. However, you can only visit one at a time since you don’t want to distract yourself in your time of need. You may be reading this because your dentist has referred you to an endodontist. As mentioned earlier, an endodontist is a specialist. You can take a simple example. In this case, you may know the relationship between a doctor, a cardiologist, or a gynaecologist. One of them is just a practitioner, while the other one has specialized in a specific field. So, you may say that every gynaecologist is a doctor, but every doctor isn’t a gynaecologist.
In the same way, according to “The American Association of Endodontists”, every endodontist is a dentist, while only 4% of the dentists are endodontists. To become a specialist in any field, you have to complete a 2 or 5-year training after completing the study at dentist school or medical college. The doctors do the same and dentists are also supposed to do the same.
It is a thing of great importance while considering the difference between both that some of the areas of practice for both of them overlap, and treating sensitive teeth is one of them. But since they offer treatments for different dental issues, they aren’t the same. You won’t see an endodontist placing the filling, dental crowning or cleaning the teeth of a patient, but dentists happily do that. The additional training of the former is all about letting them know how to perform endodontic treatments and other such things associated with the tooth’s interior part and pulp as well. In most of cases, only a skilled professional offering an endodontics treatment can save your diseased teeth. For the same reason, you’ll find endodontists calling themselves “Teeth Savers”.
Not like that root canal treatment is associated with endodontists only; a general dentist can also do it. But they may not be able to perform more than 5 per week, which is too less for someone who is specialized. The only way a dentist can adopt this profession is if he/she is having lesser number of patients. Otherwise, the trick won’t work. On the other hand, an endodontist is capable of performing more or less than 25 such treatments. Also, since they are familiar with the latest technology, they know how to get the job done smoothly without hurting the patients. So, make sure that you choose the right person for getting the job done smoothly.
With Whom the Patients feel more comfortable during the treatment: Endodontist or Dentist?
Patients may not even know who an endodontist is. They just know about the dentist for which they visit them whenever they face any injury. But the ones who know may feel nervous during their root canal treatment or even during dental crowning, which is quite natural. However, endodontists are really good at pain management. They don’t make such treatments look difficult or painful by making sure that the patient will feel secure and safe even after the treatment. And the equipment they use makes it really easy for them to offer relief to the patients. Nowadays, the use of Lasers is also common. The most important benefit of them is that they are effective, less painful and quiet as well. So, it is better to go for this option.
There are certain disadvantages of using lasers as well. For example, you never know when the problem will arise again. And you can’t have laser treatments again and again since they will harm most of your body parts, including the respirator and reproductive system. But that’s not the case with every treatment. This mostly happens when you have cancer as well because that’s when you need lasers the most, and that may damage even the hair on your body. So, make sure that you go to an endodontist for professional treatment and quick relief which any other doctor may not offer.
Is it better to bypass your General Dentist for Root Canal Treatment?
Bypassing your general dentist for root canal treatment is one of the most critical and much-needed things you need to do in order to have the safety of your teeth. Not like you are insecure if a dentist is dealing with your teeth’s health, but since a specialist can perform it in a better way, you should visit one to avoid any risk, mainly when there is an issue with any inner part of your tooth. You may look for your family doctor, more importantly, the dentist, in this case, to ensure whether the treatment will go well or not.
In short, both your dentist and endodontist work really hard to keep your teeth safe and make you smile. But the former is specifically supposed to clean the teeth while the latter is there to treat the pulp because of the experience and extra training they had after dental school.
Conclusion
Not like only are you concerned about how you will look like when you smile, but your dentist also thinks and gets worried about it in the same way. So, make sure that you choose the right dentist or visit an endodontist also at the time of need. In this way, you will end up reducing the risk of cavities in your teeth and you will get rid of severe dental issues as well. Read more
