Dentist VS Endodontist
This is a common question that we face when we are planning a dental visit for teeth issues. The question “Who is best for a root canal” lands us in more confusion than getting a solution. So to know who is the best, read on.
Before knowing the differences between dentists and endodontists, let us check on some of the dental services of dentists and endodontists.
Common Services By Dentists
Dental Crowns – It is a dental prosthesis that functions just like natural teeth and is used to cover dental implants and also used to hold dental bridges in their place.
Invisalign – It acts as a revolutionary change in the world of dentistry. Invisalign helps in aligning the teeth into a series using custom–made removable aligners that are invisible and work effectively without interfering with day-to-day activities.
Teeth Clean Up – Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an important part of oral hygiene. When neglected, tartar builds up on the teeth and leads to further dental issues. It is important to visit the dentist once in six months for teeth cleaning.
Dentures – They are natural-looking teeth replacement options that can be done partially for a few lost teeth or a complete set of artificial teeth when there is a complete loss of teeth.
Tooth Extraction – Removal of a tooth from its socket is tooth extraction. Whether it’s a bad tooth, a damaged one or making the tooth structure ready for any orthodontic procedure, tooth extraction plays an important role in overall oral hygiene.
Common Services by Endodontists
Root Canal Treatment – When the core of the tooth root is damaged due to infection it needs to be immediately treated. The negligence will lead to cyst formation, painful teeth and even tooth loss. Root canal treatment is the “tooth saving” treatment that is commonly performed by endodontists that avoids further damage to both teeth and roots.
Tooth Injury – If there are any accidents or trauma that leads to tooth damage an endodontist resolves the issue with the required treatments. Crooked tooth, cracked tooth or if the tooth broke off, a root canal performed by endodontists saves your day.
Apicoectomy – At times the pain may persist in the treated area even after a successful root canal treatment. Though it’s a very rare scenario, the reason for it may be the infection spread to the surrounding tissues. In the apicoectomy procedure, the endodontist will induce anaesthesia to extract the infected tissue through a small incision and then fill the tooth upon completion of cleaning the infected area.
Endodontic Retreatment – If there is too much gap between implant placement and permanent tooth placement then the risk of infections is and to clear this infection retreatment is performed.
The services mentioned above do give hints that dentists and endodontists are different from each other. An endodontist can be a dentist but not all dentists are endodontists. Let us know the prominent differences between dentists and endodontists:
Education – A dentist gets a dental degree from a dental school.
An endodontist gets Postgraduate Endodontic training for 2 or more years along with a dental degree.
Treatments Performed – Dental cleanings, fillings, Invisalign and crown placement and many other teeth issues are corrected by the dentist.
An endodontist performs surgeries for severe dental injuries or root canal procedures and restores the facial appearance.
Techniques Used – A dentist only uses an X-ray machine that is needed to check the tooth arrangement for treatments such as crowning, dental implants and dentures.
An endodontist uses an X-ray machine, CT scanning machine and Endodontic Microscope since the surgical procedures require detailed images of the teeth arrangement and also to assess the level of damage occurred that helps in diagnosis and treatment.
Who Is Better for Root Canal?
Endodontists are recommended for root canal treatment. Dentists are educated about the root canal and can perform it successfully too. But the cutting-edge technologies and pieces of equipment used by the endodontists give a complete picture of the root canal issue and since they have expertise in the subject and well-trained for years in it, they perform as many as 25 root canal surgeries in a week in contrast to dentists who would maximum perform 2-3 root canal surgeries. Endodontists are also experts in pain management and it is important to handle the unexpected issues that may occur during root canal treatment.
What Makes a Great Endodontist?
A qualified endodontist who is confident and has expertise in handling root canal issues is a great endodontist. Since root canal is a complicated treatment that involves treating, tooth pulp, tissues, nerve cells and connecting tissues which are delicate and needs a specialist who has had rigorous training and is a certified endodontist that manages the success rates of the treatment.
Qualities to Look for in an Endodontist
Now let us look at some of the qualities you can look for while searching for an endodontist:
Specialized Training – An endodontist should have at least 2-3 years of experience in performing root canal surgeries and this experience also helps in handling any endodontic emergencies. Along with an extensive skill set, the endodontist must also have a good reputation in this field.
Makes The Recipient Comfortable – An expert and good endodontist make the recipient comfortable throughout the treatment since it is natural to have some levels of anxiety during the treatment for the pain and discomfort management process. A good endodontist also involves the patient in the important decision-making process that will be helpful to make a better treatment plan. Offering professional help in handling the problem with a hint of honesty, sensitivity, compassion and sympathy is also important.
Updated Technology and Pieces of Equipment – Technological update is constant in this innovative world and endodontists need to be updated about the new inventions and technological advances made in the dental industry. Having the latest tools and technologies indicates their commitment towards keeping themselves updated with the required skill set.
