The Difference Between Endodontist vs Dentist

When your dentist tells you that you need a root canal treatment, he helps you make the right decision for the smoothest procedure. This decision includes weighing the benefits of an endodontist vs dentist. For some root canals, a dentist suits your needs. For others, therapy requires a specialist’s help.

What Is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in root canal therapy and associated treatments. For example, they focus on providing a root canal but also learn more about providing this treatment for people with special pain management needs.

All dentists receive education, training, and experience in root canals. But an endodontist gains an additional two to three years of training. Also because an endodontist only performs these types of procedures, their level of skill and expertise far outweighs other types of dental professionals.

Endodontists also tend to maintain the latest technologies used in root canal therapy in their offices, such as a specialized oral surgery microscope. Finally, because endodontists focus on root canals, their success rate is higher.

Do General Dentists Handle Root Canals?

General dentists also receive education and training in root canal therapy, as said before. Of course, since this is one service of many in general dentistry, they do not build as much experience as an endodontist. But your dentist understands which root canal treatments require referral to an endodontist vs dentist treatment.

When your root canal therapy appears straightforward and within your dentist’s skill set, you benefit from this treatment in the dentist’s office. Benefits of your dentist performing your root canal include:

• Lower fees
• Familiar surroundings
• Insurance acceptance
• The greater trust already exists
• Convenience
• Continuity in treatment

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