We know how frustrating it can be to have to jump from specialist to specialist to help find a solution to any medical problem, and this can include dental problems. With so many specialists to choose from, how are you supposed to know who to see?
When you are dealing with dental problems, you may wonder if you should see an endodontist or a dentist to address your concerns. Both care for and seek to improve your dental health, but is there a time when you should see an endodontist?
Our team at David G. Johnson, DDS, wants you to know what the difference between dentists and endodontists so you know when to see each of these dental practitioners.
What Is A Dentist?
A dentist is a dental professional who specializes in general health and treatment of the teeth, gums, and mouth. They provide a wide variety of services but focus mainly on maintaining the health of your mouth. For many, a dentist is their first point of contact if they suspect they are dealing with a dental problem. Dentists can diagnose problems and suggest treatment plans for these problems, though they may refer you to another practitioner if the problem you are dealing with is more complex and requires specialized knowledge.
What Is An Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental professional who is trained to diagnose and treat problems with the dental pulp and root of the tooth. They are experts at performing root canals, a procedure that treats inflamed or infected dental pulp to help prevent tooth rot and abscess formation. This expertise is because of the additional education they receive to become an endodontist. They are also familiar with more complex dental problems, including dental trauma, cracked teeth, and infection spreading beyond the dental pulp and into the root of the tooth and surrounding tissue.
Should You See An Endodontist Or Dentist?
If you are looking for cleanings and dental exams, you should see a dentist. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity from your teeth or gums and are uncertain of the cause, you should see a dentist. They will perform an exam and determine the cause of the discomfort. They may also provide you with a treatment plan to improve your oral health. However, they may determine the problem is too complex and suggest seeing a specialist, like an endodontist.
You should see an endodontist if your dentist recommends it based on their assessment of your teeth. However, you don’t need a dentist’s referral to see an endodontist. In fact, if you experience dental trauma, like losing a tooth in an accident, you should probably schedule with an endodontist as soon as possible. They have the ability to save the tooth and can help you skip unnecessary steps.
Should You See An Endodontist For A Root Canal?
While you can see your dentist for a root canal procedure, we still recommend that you see an endodontist. We recommend this because your endodontist has to complete specialized training to earn this title and have much more experience dealing with problems such as root canals. You may also feel more comfortable going to see an endodontist because they perform root canals more regularly than your dentist.
Because this is the most substantial portion of the treatments your endodontist provides, they have plenty of experience that makes them an expert at the procedure. When you see an endodontist for your root canal, you can also trust that they have all the best tips and advice to make this process as smooth as possible for you. Dental procedures are already very nerve-racking.
By going to see an endodontist, you can take away some of the unnecessary nerves that come with these dental procedures and feel more confident in the process. With all of their experience, your endodontist should do an amazing job of making this process comfortable and have the highest success rate of saving your tooth from unexpected damage or loss.
See An Endodontist You Can Trust
If you want to see an endodontist, you should look for one with years of experience. Our endodontist, David G. Johnson, DDS, has been practicing endodontics since 1990 and is confident that he can help you through any dental problems, no matter how complex. With plenty of experience and a great team behind him, our practice is ready to serve you. If you have a root canal and would like to schedule an appointment with our team, reach out to us at our Centerville or Layton location today.
