Some complex dental issues are best handled by a specialist. For example, suppose you have a badly infected tooth that requires a root canal treatment. While a general dentist can potentially perform the procedure, it’s often better to leave it in the hands of an endodontist. To understand why, here’s a closer look at 4 ways an endodontist is different from a general dentist.
1. Endodontists Have Completed Specialized Education
An endodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats issues inside the tooth. To become an endodontist, one must first earn a dental degree by completing four years of dental school. However, unlike general dentists, aspiring endodontists must then enroll in an advanced specialty program in endodontics, which typically involves another two or three years of learning. As a result of these additional years of study, endodontists are very knowledgeable when it comes to issues involving dental pulp.
2. Endodontists Have More Experience in Root Canal Treatment
Generally speaking, endodontists perform root canal treatments significantly more often than general dentists. In fact, the average endodontist will complete around 25 root canals in just one week. This means that seeing an endodontist for this procedure will help maximize your chances of success. On top of that, an endodontist will often be better equipped to deal with advanced or unusual cases.
3. Endodontists are Experts When It Comes to Managing Pain
Because endodontists are highly experienced when it comes to root canal treatment, they are very familiar with the measures that need to be taken in order to help their patients stay as comfortable as possible. Even if you often have a hard time getting numb at the dentist’s office, you can trust your endodontist to take the appropriate steps to ensure that you don’t experience any pain while your tooth is being worked on.
4. Endodontists are Flexible When It Comes to Emergency Appointments
Compared to general dentists, endodontists typically leave more room in their schedules for emergency appointments. This helps ensure that patients who are suffering from painful toothaches are able to get the quality endodontic care they need as quickly as possible.
In summary, there are several key differences that separate an endodontist from a general dentist. If your tooth is in pain, reaching out to an endodontist for treatment may be your best option.
About the Practice
Here at Capron Park Dental, our dental experts combine their expertise in order to bring our patients the high-quality, state-of-the-art care they deserve. Our team includes a highly trained endodontist who has plenty of experience in performing advanced root canal therapy and endodontic microsurgery. If you’re suffering from tooth pain and want to see a specialist who can help you achieve lasting relief, you can schedule an appointment at our Attleboro practice by visiting our website or calling (508) 319-1996.
