What is the Main Difference Between an Endodontist & Dentist?
A lot of people can’t differentiate a general dentist from an endodontist. Both can provide dental care treatment, but there are certain things that an endodontist can do better than a regular dentist. To help you learn how to distinguish an endodontist from a regular dentist, we decided to make a detailed comparison of the two in this article.
Who is an Endodontist?
Knowing who an endodontist is will give you an idea of what they do and perhaps help you distinguish one from a general dentist. In simple terms, an endodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating issues related to the tooth’s root and pulp. So if you are suffering from an infection of the dental pulp, you should see an endodontist near you instead of a general dentist.
Who is a Dentist?
A dentist otherwise referred to as a “general dentist,” is a dental care provider trained to treat various dental problems. A dentist can do many procedures, including root canal treatment. However, unlike endodontists, dentists have not specialized in root canal treatment. This means they might not be able to perform complex root canal surgeries as efficiently as endodontists.
The Main Difference Between a Dentist and an Endodontist
The term “dentist” is used too frequently, just like the term “doctor” in the medical field. An endodontist can be referred to as a dentist since they undergo the same training before specializing in operations that treat the tooth root and pulp. In short, all endodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are endodontists. For a general dentist to become an endodontist, they must go for more specialized training.
Here are ways to differentiate a dentist from an endodontist:
Education
Becoming a dentist is not easy. A dentist needs to undergo rigorous training, achieve high academics and then go for practical training for several years before they can be qualified to start doing dental operations. Dental training takes about 4 years to complete. Afterward, students have to take mandatory licensure exams and pass.
An endodontist goes for more training even after becoming a dentist. The special training takes 2 or more years to complete equipping them with additional skills that enable them to perform root canal treatment with high precision.
Treatments Provided
As we said earlier, general dentists can provide a variety of dental treatments, including root canal treatment. However, what sets apart a regular dentist from an endodontist is the skillset they acquire to help them perform dental operations. Our general dentist in Pflugerville, TX provides dental exams and cleanings, tooth filling and extractions, bridge and crown installation, and cosmetic procedures like dental whitening.
On the other hand, endodontists usually perform more advanced and complex dental procedures that require a lot of skills and precision. Endodontic treatments include root canal treatment, endodontic surgery, traumatic dental injuries, apicoectomy, and dental implant installation.
Techniques and Equipment Used
Dental procedures vary in complexity; thus, the type of equipment used by dentists may differ from those used by endodontists. For example, a dentist may only use digital x-rays when performing a dental exam, while an endodontist uses more advanced equipment, from digital x-rays and endodontic microscopes to CT scan machines. The treatment techniques used also vary as dentists treat less severe dental problems, mostly cosmetic, While endodontists treat more advanced dental problems like oral infections.
Are Endodontists Better Than Dentists?
Endodontists and dentists are well-equipped for their jobs, and they work hand in hand. The major difference between an endodontist and a general dentist is that the former is more qualified and trained to perform endodontic treatments like root canals. It is, therefore, not surprising to find dentists recommending patients with pulp infections to endodontists for specialized treatment. Since both play essential roles in providing dental care services, you can see a dentist and an endodontist in Pflugerville, TX, rather than opting to see one over the other.
Conclusion
Endodontists and dentists are skilled in handling different types of dental problems. Depending on your dental needs, an endodontist may be more qualified to offer treatment than a regular dentist. If you have a dental problem and do not know whether to see a dentist or an endodontist in Pflugerville, TX, contact us at The Grand Family Dental for consultation. We have advanced dental equipment to diagnose and treat various dental problems efficiently.