What Is the Difference Between an Endodontist and a General Dentist?

Endodontic Portland, OR

As you will discover, there are many differences between an endodontist and a general dentist. Seeing the right dental professional is the first step to taking good care of your teeth. Keep in mind that some general dentists perform the same procedures as an endodontist. However, not all do.

What is an endodontist?

The easiest way to think of an endodontist is as a root canal professional. People who need this type of procedure performed should schedule an appointment with an endodontist. However, some general dentists have extra training. Therefore, they too can perform root canal procedures. Even so, it is almost always better to see an actual root canal professional. This is especially true for more complicated cases.

When to see a general dentist

People go to general dentists for cleanings, regular checkups or to have cavities filled. Beyond those services, a general dentist does a lot more. For example, this dental professional pulls teeth, places implants, and fits patients with partial and full dentures and bridges. Other services offered include fitting sleep apnea patients with appliances to control sleep, orthodontics and root canals.

When to see an endodontist

When experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold or having an injured tooth, an individual should see an endodontist. Another symptom that should make a person visit a root canal professional is swelling of the gums. Sometimes, patient’s insurance requires them to see a general dentist first. Based on the findings of the dental examination, the dentist might give the patient a referral to an endodontist.

Endodontist are still dentists. However, these professionals typically have two or three additional years of training. Their primary focus is to diagnose the underlying cause of tooth pain and to perform root canals. An endodontist performs a variety of other procedures whenever there is an issue with the interior of a tooth.

The one thing that an endodontist and general dentist have in common is they both want to save the patient’s teeth. As a root canal professional, an endodontist can do just that on a more in-depth level. Even if a patient has a diseased tooth, this type of dental professional can help in most cases.

Due to additional training, endodontists have fantastic hand-eye coordination. For that reason, these professionals can offer even the most complex treatments. For anyone at risk of losing a natural tooth, an endodontist is the ideal type of dentist to see. The bottom line — like a root canal professional, an endodontist has advanced skills.

Save your tooth by seeing an endodontist

Whether you injured a tooth playing a sport or have one with severe decay, you should see an endodontist. Depending on your situation, you may need to get a referral from your regular dentist. Otherwise, you could schedule an appointment on your own. Instead of risking the loss of a tooth, schedule an appointment as soon as a problem develops.

Request an appointment here: https://www.cosmeticdentistoffice.com or call Rachel Cole DDS PC at (503) 248-1114 for an appointment in our Portland office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: What is an Endodontist in Portland, OR.

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