If you're looking for the most specialized dental care available, an endodontist is the best option. But when it comes to choosing between an endodontist and a general dentist, it all depends on your needs and goals. A general dentist may be the right choice if you're looking to save money. Endodontists and general dentists both provide dental care, but they do different things.
An endodontist is a specialist who focuses on performing root canals, while a dentist does several things, such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and placing sealants. So how do you know the difference between an endodontist and a dentist? It all depends on the type of care your teeth need. Endodontists have dental training, but they focus on internal dental problems. If you need cleanings, regular check-ups, or treatments for the outside of your teeth, your dentist is likely to be the best option for your care.
According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), while all endodontists are dentists, less than three percent of dentists are endodontists. General dentists can provide patients with a variety of invaluable treatments to help preserve the health and beauty of their smiles, but in some cases, it's best for patients to see a specialist like an endodontist. The endodontist will collect all the information you need and refer you to a general dentist if necessary. For example, your endodontist may focus on saving your tooth while a general dentist cares about your brushing and flossing habits.
It's important to understand the differences between dentists and endodontists to make the best decision for your needs. Your general dentist will most likely refer you to an endodontist if they think you need a dental specialist for further treatment or evaluation. Both endodontists and dentists perform procedures on your teeth to protect your oral health. These doctors differ in many important ways.
Unlike dentists, endodontists limit their practice to treating dental pulp and root canal systems. General dentists and endodontists are dental care professionals with some overlapping practice areas, but they treat different dental problems. Therefore, dentists can refer a patient to an endodontist when they are unable to perform the necessary procedure due to their inexperience or lack of training, such as performing root canals with micro-endo equipment. Like endodontists, general dentists practice a certain area of dental care and can receive referrals from other dentists.
