What’s the Difference Between an Endodontist and a Dentist?

While a dentist is there for your general oral care and check-up, many different dental specialists can cater to your different needs. If you need to have a pair of braces fitted and adjusted, for example, then you’d go to an orthodontist. On the other hand, if you have any issues with your gums, then you’d ask for the advice of a periodontist. Meanwhile, if you have a child that needs special oral care, a pediatric dentist is your best bet. 

The field of dentistry is far and wide to address the variety of dental problems you might encounter. But when it comes to tooth pain, both dentists and endodontists seem fit for the job. So how do you know which one to go to? 

Here’s a quick guide to knowing the difference between an endodontist and a dentist:

What Exactly is a Dentist?

A dentist is a general practitioner that focuses on the overall health of your teeth and gums. They carry out many important duties in making sure it’s in good shape with regular check-ups and cleaning procedures, like oral prophylaxis. They’re also in charge of identifying any problems you might have, like cavities or tooth extraction, and can refer you to specialists if your teeth need it. 

For minor procedures, like cleaning your teeth or repairing any molding or crowns, dentists are your go-to. They also help provide guidelines on how to take better care of your teeth.

What’s an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist that specializes in nerve and tooth pain. Endodontists have an additional two to three years of training that centers around dental pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth. They also possess advanced expertise in the field compared to general dentists, and they have more advanced equipment and diagnostic rates. Endodontists have specialized knowledge in root canal techniques and any other complications that have resulted in tooth pain. 

How do I know which one I should see?

For anything general, be it for check-ups, installing fillings, or crown installation, going to your local dentist will get the job done. They’ve been trained to treat and address the more common dental issues and are qualified to diagnose the treatment you need. As you see your general dentist more often than you would a specialized one, they are also much more familiar with you and your oral health patterns. 

Your dentist may also be qualified to treat your tooth pain, depending on its severity. They also tend to be more affordable than dental specialists. If you’re not sure about whether or not to escalate your case to a specialist, a quick consultation should do the trick. Your dentist can refer you to specialists, should you need specialized care or treatment

As endodontists specialize in pain around the nerves and dental pulp, they’ll be the best ones to diagnose and treat your tooth pain. They have also been specially trained to perform root canal therapy, so if you have any problems with your root canal, your endodontist will be able to give you a thorough explanation of the procedure. As this is their forte, they have much more skill, training, and knowledge in this area—guaranteeing you high-quality treatment.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, dentists are more for preventive maintenance, while endodontists are more for reactive repair. While you can also go to your dentist for treatment to fix any dental issues you have, they may refer you to someone with better equipment and more expertise to give you the best care possible.

In need of an affordable dentist, an orthodontist, or a pediatric dentist near Southpark, Charlotte? Charlotte NC Dentist is an online directory that helps you find a local dentist to treat your unique needs. Be it SouthPark or Blakeney, we know the best dentists in your area. Search for the perfect dentist nearest you today by visiting our website!