Key Takeaways
- Endodontists are dental specialists who focus on root canal treatments and dental pulp issues.
- While general dentists perform a few root canals monthly, most endodontists complete 25+ procedures weekly, resulting in higher success rates (98.1% vs. 89.7%).
- Specialized equipment like dental operating microscopes and 3D imaging systems help endodontists treat complex cases.
What’s the Difference Between an Endodontist and a Dentist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist that only treats the inside of the tooth, particularly the dental pulp and root canal systems. While all endodontists are dentists, fewer than 3% of dentists are endodontists. Becoming one requires an extra 2-3 years of specialized training after dental school. This training equips endodontists with the skills they need to handle complex procedures like root canals.
Knowing the differences between these kinds of dental professionals helps you make better decisions about your oral health. Let’s break down the endodontist vs dentist comparison, looking at how they contrast in training, treatment approaches, technology use, and success rates.
How Education and Training Paths Differ Between Dentists and Endodontists
General Dentist Education
Dentists complete:
- Four years of dental school after earning their undergraduate degree
- Training in a wide range of dental services
- Preparation for providing comprehensive oral health care
General dentists are qualified to perform routine dental procedures including:
- Regular checkups and cleanings
- Fillings and simple restorations
- Basic preventive care
- Simple tooth extractions
- Straightforward root canal procedures
Endodontist Specialized Training
Endodontists undergo:
- All the same education as general dentists
- An extra 2-3 years of specialized residency training in endodontics
- Advanced education focused on dental pulp treatment, pain diagnosis, and root canal therapy
- Extensive training in managing dental infections and performing surgical procedures on the tooth interior
Endodontists can handle tougher cases and advanced techniques that a general practitioner wouldn’t.
What Specialized Procedures Do Endodontists Perform?
While general dentists provide regular checkups, cleanings, fillings, and simple restorative work, endodontists only treat issues related to the dental pulp.
A typical endodontist performs approximately 25 root canal treatments weekly. A general dentists might only do a few per month. This gives endodontists a lot of practice using their skills and expertise
Endodontic Specialized Procedures Include:
- Standard root canal therapy on complex cases
- Endodontic retreatment when previous root canals fail
- Apicoectomy (surgical removal of the root tip)
- Management and treatment of dental trauma
- Diagnosis of persistent oral and facial pain
- Internal bleaching of discolored teeth following root canal treatment
- Treatment of teeth with unusual or complex root anatomy
Their specialized expertise allows them to work on teeth that general dentists might find challenging. Cases with intricate root structures, previously treated teeth, or severe trauma might be too complex for a general dentist.
Are Root Canal Success Rates Higher with Endodontists?
Yes, root canal treatments performed by endodontists have higher long term success rates. According to clinical research, teeth treated by general dentists show a 5-year success rate of approximately 89.7%, while those treated by endodontists achieve a 98.1% success rate.
Several factors contribute to this difference in treatment outcomes:
- Specialized training focusing only on root canal procedures
- Access to advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment
- Higher volume of procedures performed (greater experience)
- More efficient techniques from daily practice with complex cases
- Better ability to detect and treat accessory canals (more root branches)
Procedures done by endodontists have much higher chances of saving the tooth in the long term.
When Should You See an Endodontist Instead of a Dentist?
Many specific situations call for specialized endodontic care.
Seek an Endodontist When:
- You experience persistent tooth pain after initial treatment
- Your dentist recommends retreatment of a failed root canal
- You have cracked, fractured, or decayed teeth
- Your tooth has a complex root structure or unusual anatomy
- You’ve suffered trauma-related injuries to teeth
- Previous root canal treatment has failed to resolve symptoms
- Your general dentist provides a referral for specialized care
- You have unusual symptoms that are difficult to diagnose
- You need treatment for dental infections that have spread
If you’re referred to an endodontist, it could be the difference between saving and losing your natural tooth.
What Advanced Technologies Do Endodontists Use?
Endodontists are trained to use state-of-the-art tools for root canals and related procedures. These use these technologies to provide more precise, comfortable, and successful treatments.
Specialized Endodontic Equipment Includes:
- Dental operating microscopes providing up to 25x magnification
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) 3D imaging systems
- Digital radiography for immediate, enhanced imaging
- Ultrasonic instruments for precision cleaning and preparation
- Specialized rotary and reciprocating instruments
- Electronic apex locators for precise measurement of root length
- Rubber dam isolation systems to prevent contamination
Tech like this comes in handy when treating small, curved, or difficult-to-locate canals. It helps endodontists with visualization and precision, which contributes to higher success rates.
How Do Costs Compare Between Endodontists and General Dentists?
Treatment by an endodontist typically comes with a higher upfront cost than a general dentist. This price difference reflects their specialized expertise and the advanced equipment they use.
But, the long-term value often justifies the extra expense. It’s still less expensive than needing a tooth extraction and cosmetic dentistry to cover it up.
Factors Affecting Treatment Cost:
- Complexity of the tooth’s anatomy (molars vs. front teeth)
- Whether it’s a first-time or retreatment procedure
- Geographic location of the practice
- Insurance plan coverage details
- Need for more procedures (e.g., posts, cores, crowns)
- Emergency vs. scheduled appointments
Think about things in the long-term. It’s usually better to save the natural tooth in the first place than needing retreatment or tooth replacement.
Endodontists vs. Dentists FAQs
Is an endodontist better than a general dentist for a root canal?
Yes, especially for complex cases. Endodontists perform more root canal procedures than general dentist. They do 25+ root canals weekly compared to just a few monthly. Their advanced training and experience helps them with challenging anatomy, persistent pain, and treatment complications.
Can general dentists perform root canals?
Yes, general dentists receive training to perform root canals and often handle straightforward cases involving single-rooted teeth. But, they usually refer patients to an endodontist when teeth have complex anatomy, symptoms persist after initial treatment, or previous treatment doesn’t work. In these situations, a specialist’s tools and experience offer better outcomes.
Do I need a referral to see an endodontist?
No, a referral isn’t always required to schedule an appointment with an endodontist. You can contact an endodontist directly if you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, have suffered a dental injury, or have a previously treated tooth that hasn’t healed properly. Most endodontic practices advertise their expertise and accept direct appointments and can check your condition without a referral from your regular dentist.
How painful is a root canal treatment from an endodontist?
Root canal procedures performed by endodontists aren’t much more uncomfortable than getting a cavity filled. Endodontists specialize in pain management and are highly skilled at numbing even the most sensitive teeth. Many patients report that the procedure actually relieves pain instead of causing it, especially when the underlying infection heals.
How long does a root canal treatment last?
When performed properly by a specialist and followed with appropriate restoration, a root canal can last a lifetime. Long-term success depends on your oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Endodontists’ precise techniques and use of advanced technology improve the durability and long-term prognosis of the treated tooth.
Who Should You Choose—General Dentist or Endodontist?
Both general dentists and endodontists play valuable roles in maintaining your oral health. For routine dental care or straightforward cases, a general dentist may provide enough treatment. But, if your tooth requires retreatment, has an unusual root structure, or hasn’t healed after a prior procedure, an endodontist’s specialized expertise can make a crucial difference in saving your natural tooth.
Remember that your natural teeth are irreplaceable. Finding the right level of care can help them last a lifetime. Talk with your dentist about whether a referral to an endodontist might be beneficial for your specific situation.
Resources:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/endodontics
Elemam, Ranya Faraj, Pretty, Iain, Comparison of the Success Rate of Endodontic Treatment and Implant Treatment, International Scholarly Research Notices, 2011, 640509, 8 pages, 2011. https://doi.org/10.5402/2011/640509
Alley BS, Kitchens GG, Alley LW, Eleazer PD. A comparison of survival of teeth following endodontic treatment performed by general dentists or by specialists. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004;98(1):115-118. doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.01.004
Dietz GC Sr, Dietz GC Jr. The endodontist and the general dentist. Dent Clin North Am. 1992;36(2):459-471.
https://www.aae.org/patients/why-see-an-endodontist/whats-difference-dentist-endodontist/
