What’s the difference between a dentist and an endodontist?
11.04.2024
If you’ve been told you need to visit an endodontist, you might be a little bit nervous. Any referral can be daunting if you don’t understand the reasoning. When you learn that endodontists are most commonly associated with root canal treatment, this is only likely to add to your concern.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the role of the endodontist and their most common procedure, the dreaded root canal, so you can feel more at ease with your treatment plan.
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a specialist dentist who has gone through additional training to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the root of the tooth. All endodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are endodontists.
And while endodontists might be best known for root canal treatment, they are not the only ones who can complete this treatment. All dentists are trained to carry out root canal treatment, but some prefer to refer to a specialist if there is one readily available.
What does an endodontist do?
The most common treatment associated with endodontics is the root canal. This treatment might be recommended if you have a badly damaged tooth with an infection that has travelled to the soft pulp of the tooth. This will usually be a very painful infection.
To help preserve the tooth and avoid an extraction, your endodontist will first remove the infected portion of the tooth using very small and precise tools. Each root canal will need to be cleaned individually. Next, the tooth is thoroughly rinsed to make sure no infection remains.
The tooth is then filled to help restore its strength and then topped with a crown to provide further protection. This is one of the most effective treatments for saving a tooth and avoiding an extraction.
If there are further complications, your endodontist may recommend an apicoectomy. This is a surgical procedure to remove the tip of the tooth root. They also help to diagnose issues with cracked tooth roots to avoid complications further down the line.
What does an endodontic referral mean?
If your dentist has referred you to an endodontist, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean that your treatment is going to be more painful or scary. It simply means that your dentist wants a specialist to handle the case.
Root canal treatment has a bad reputation for being a painful procedure, but this is an outdated attitude. A common reason that root canals are considered painful is that they are often carried out on teeth with an active infection.
These teeth are more difficult to numb due to the inflammation, but dental anaesthetic techniques have come a long way in recent years. We’re now much more efficient at numbing the teeth, which means your treatment will be much more comfortable. So if you're still listening to stories from friends, family and colleagues about how painful their root canal was in the 90s, it’s time to think again.
If you are avoiding treatment because of a fear of pain, it’s best to speak to your dentist. They can help to put you at ease about the treatment. They will reassure you that you will be numb throughout the treatment and can let your dentist know if you’re experiencing any pain.
Final thoughts
A trip to the endodontist doesn’t have to be scary. Communication is key to help make your treatment less daunting. Speak to your dentist about any fears you have and they can help to put your mind at ease. Remember that preserving your natural teeth is always preferable to extractions, so this could be the best choice for your oral health.