Another way of illustrating the difference between a dentist and endodontist is comparing a multitool (dentist = generalist) and measuring spoons (Specialist endodontist).
Dentist
Your dentist manages a wide range of dental health issues ranging from hygiene work and check-ups to filling cavities, providing crowns, bridges, dentures and performing minor surgical procedures. Dentists are your first port of call for general dental care and maintenance. They ensure your teeth are clean, your gums are healthy, and your smile stays bright.
Some dental problems may be more challenging of complex such as a severe infection or very curved roots. That’s where an endodontist comes in.
Specialist Endodontist: The Tooth-Saving Specialist
Specialist endodontists are dentists who have gone through additional years of dental training focused on problems related to the inside of the tooth. Think of them as the gatekeepers in the dental world, trying to save teeth from the brink of extraction. Their primary focus is on diagnosing and treating problems related to the dental pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
They are registered on the General Dental Council as a Specialist.
Why See a Specialist Endodontist?
Your dentist may recommend you visit an endodontist for the following reasons:
Complex Root Canals:
Endodontists perform root canals daily. This means they have the experience and skills needed to handle even the tricky cases. While a general dentist can perform root canals, an endodontist’s specialized training ensures higher success rates, especially in complicated situations.
Skillful use of Advanced Technology:
Endodontists use technology such as operating microscopes, pulp tests, and 3D imaging to understand the nature of your problem. This technology helps us to diagnose issues that might not be visible with standard equipment.
Pain Management:
Endodontists are experienced in managing pain both during and after procedures. Our advanced understanding of the pain processes, techniques and tools mean you are less likely to experience discomfort during treatment.
Dentist with special interests in endodontics (DwSI)
In the UK, there are some dentists who have undergone additional training in root canal treatment. They are recognised within the NHS as having a extended competencies in root canal care. They are recognised as dentists by the General Dental Council and not specialists.
When to Stick with Your Dentist
For regular dental care, your general dentist is perfectly capable of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Here are a few scenarios where seeing your regular dentist makes the most sense:
Routine check-ups and cleanings
Filling cavities
Treating gingivitis or mild periodontal disease
Cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers
Basic extractions
Simple root canal procedures for front teeth
Some dentists with extended competencies (DwSI) can manage more tricky root canal problems
Crowns, bridges and dentures
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a dentist and a specialist endodontist can help you make informed decisions about your dental care. If you have persistent tooth pain, need root canal treatment on a back tooth, or have even suffered a dental injury, an endodontist’s specialised skills can provide the targeted care you need.
In most cases, starting with your regular dentist is a good idea. They can assess your situation and refer you to an DwSI or Specialist endodontist if necessary. Consider it a team approach to keeping your smile healthy and pain-free
