Endodontist vs. Dentist: What is the Difference?

• What Is An Endodontist?
• Should I Go To A Dentist Or An Endodontist For A Root Canal?
• Midtown Endodontist NYC

Endodontists and general dentists both provide dental care but do different things. An endodontist is a specialist who focuses on performing root canals. While a dentist does multiple things, such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities and placing sealants, endodontists do one thing — treat tooth pain.

Understanding the difference between these two professions can help you decide who you should go to for oral care. Seeing the right person, either the dentist or endodontist, can ensure you receive the proper treatment and recover quickly.

What Is An Endodontist?

What Does An Endodontist Do?

Endodontists are dentists who pursue additional training and experience after they finish dental school. They train to perform complex root canal treatments, such as treating teeth with complicated anatomy. Endodontists can perform several procedures, such as root canal treatments and root canal retreatments, which may save a tooth that becomes infected again after an initial root canal.

Endodontists also typically perform:

• Apicoectomy: An apicoectomy is another option after a failed root canal. It involves removing the tip of the root to prevent future progressive infection.
• Traumatic injury treatment: This includes procedures such as fixing cracked teeth.
• Internal bleaching: Internal bleaching can correct discoloration stemming from root canal therapy.

Is an Endodontist Better Than a General Dentist?

Dentists and endodontists do different things,

but you can benefit from seeing both to keep your mouth healthy. Dentists often identify the issues that can send you to an endodontist. If you demonstrate symptoms of tooth infection or severe tooth decay in the pulp or root of your tooth, you require endodontic care in NYC.

An endodontist has more experience and expertise performing root canals than a dentist. While a dentist may perform two a week, endodontists often do a couple of dozen. This means endodontists are typically better vs. general dentists at performing root canals.

Both endodontists and dentists play an essential role in your oral care. They provide complementary services that accomplish different things. For example, your endodontist may focus on saving your tooth while a general dentist is concerned about your brushing and flossing habits. They work together to keep your mouth healthy.

Why Would My Dentist Send Me to an Endodontist?

Dentists and endodontists work together to ensure you receive the best care. They both have the same goal, which is to take care of your problem and keep your mouth pain-free. If a dentist believes you need specialized care, they are often happy to refer you to an endodontist. Many patients feel better knowing their endodontist has undergone training to resolve serious dental issues.

Your dentist wants you to receive the best treatment, so they often work with an endodontist they know and trust. You can ask your dentist about local endodontists for a referral or reach out to one yourself.

Can I Go Straight to an Endodontist?

While most people believe you need a referral to see a specialist, you can see an endodontist right away in some circumstances.

If you know you have a cracked tooth or a traumatic injury knocked out a tooth, you can directly contact an endodontist for treatment. The endodontist will gather all the information they need and refer you back to a general dentist if necessary.

You can often save time when you go directly to an endodontist. If you are in a lot of pain or feel confident you know what is wrong with your tooth, you may be able to skip a step by heading right to the endodontist.

They can immediately create a plan for saving your tooth and relieving your pain.

Are Endodontists More Expensive?

Endodontists have the expertise and a higher level of training in root canals, so they may charge more than a general dentist to perform a procedure. Endodontic treatment typically produces exceptional results, with higher success rates than getting a root canal at a general dentist. You pay for that skill and also receive the best available care for your teeth.

Should I Go to a Dentist or an Endodontist for a Root Canal?

Your dentist can give you the best care for regular cleanings, but you should choose an endodontist for root canals. Advantages of choosing an endodontist include:

• Expert performance of endodontic procedures.
• Reliance on advanced techniques, such as using an operating microscope, to streamline procedures and provide the best results.
• The ability to shift strategies to make you more comfortable during the procedure.

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What Is an Endodontist vs. Periodontist?

Periodontists are another type of specialist dentists. Like endodontists, they practice a certain area of dental care and may receive referrals from general dentists. They focus on gum-related issues and can deep clean the gums as well as perform gum and bone grafts. They also perform implant dentistry. Periodontists can treat:

• Gum disease.
• Inflammation.
• Bone issues.

Specialists such as periodontists excel in their field and can offer better care than someone with general dentistry experience. You may enjoy a higher success rate on a procedure when you go to a dentist who specializes in that area instead of seeing a general dentist who handles dozens of different problems each week. Like endodontists, the higher fees associated with a periodontist can provide you with a more knowledgeable dentist and effective treatment.

Learn More About the Endodontic Care Offered by Midtown Endodontist NYC

Midtown Endodontist NYC is home to the top endodontists in NYC.

The staff has the knowledge and experience you desire, including training in all the latest endodontic techniques. We care about your dental health and want to ease your pain if you need a dental procedure.

We specialize in relieving tooth pain and performing root canal treatment. You can book a free consultation with us today to learn more about our dental team and how we might fit your needs. Or, contact us for more information about the differences between an endodontist vs. a dentist performing a root canal. You can also give us a call at (347) 708-8795.