All dentists are trained to administer conventional root canal treatment, which involves the use of small hand files to remove infected pulp from the inside of the tooth. By limiting their practice to endodontics, endodontists focus exclusively on dental pulp treatments. They complete an average of 25 root canal treatments per week, while general dentists usually do two. Endodontists don't place fillings or clean teeth, but instead spend their time diagnosing and treating tooth pain.
They are specialists who are experts in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose. Do all dentists perform endodontics? All dentists have been trained in endodontic treatments for many years, including a general dentist. A general practitioner has the ability to perform root canal treatment in conjunction with any other procedure related to dental problems. However, many would recommend seeing a specialist for any endodontic treatment.
Simple root canals can be performed by a general or family dentist. However, if the canal has a complex enough anatomy to make finding, navigating or accessing the root difficult, it may require the contact of an endodontist. Endodontists are specialist dentists who focus on dental pulp disorders and specialize in treatments such as root canals. Endodontists receive significantly more specialized training and have more years of experience.
An endodontist is also recommended for teeth with more than one channel, such as molars. Digital x-rays and three-dimensional images allow endodontists to take detailed pictures of the anatomy of small teeth to better see root canals and any related infections. At the first visit to the dentist, you may be prescribed antibiotic treatment for several days before the endodontic procedure is performed. Dentists focus on general dental care, such as cleaning your mouth, providing fillings for cavities, and treating gum disease.
If you're not sure about letting your family dentist perform such a complex procedure, read on. Unlike dentists, endodontists limit their practice to treating dental pulp and root canal systems. However, in select cases, a general dentist may be comfortable enough with the procedure to perform in the office. If the dental pulp is sufficiently traumatized, whether from exposure to oral bacteria through deep tooth decay, a fracture in the tooth that penetrates the pulp, or a strong blow to the face, the tooth begins to die and often root canal therapy is required to prevent or eliminate infection and prevent loss of teeth.
In these parts of the country, it is more convenient to allow general dentists to perform root canal treatment. They are experts at performing root canals in a single visit and schedule patients for just an hour or less. Keep in mind that if a root canal specialist is required for treatment, you can expect to pay more than with a general dentist performing root canal treatment. A root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to remove diseased pulp tissue from the inside of a tooth.
An endodontist, as defined by the American Board of Endodontists, is a dental specialist who treats the dental pulp, root, and surrounding tissues of diseased and injured teeth.
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