A dentist and an endodontist: What's the difference?

If you're experiencing tooth pain, you may be wondering if you need to see a dentist or an endodontist. Or, you might've seen or heard the word "endodontics" or "endodontist" from your dentist and been curious about just what that means. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between dentists and endodontists, and explain why seeing an endodontist may be the best option for treating tooth pain.

Both dentists and endodontists are specialists in the treatment of teeth, but they have different areas of focus. Dentists are general practitioners who provide routine care such as cleanings and fillings, while endodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of problems that occur inside the tooth pulp and root canal system. Generally, you see a dentist for routine checkups and maintenance of your teeth, while you see an endodontist if something more serious is happening with the root system of the tooth.

What does a dentist do?

Dentists are general practitioners who provide routine care such as cleanings and fillings. They also diagnose and treat problems with the teeth, gums, and mouth tissues. Dentists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, followed by four years of dental school. After graduation, they must pass a state licensure exam before they can practice dentistry.

Much of the time, a dentist will refer you to an endodontist if you need a root canal treatment or root canal therapy. For instance, most of our patients are referrals from their dentists who know their patients will get the best care by seeing an endodontist specifically. At Granbury Endodontics, we've invested in the latest technology and treatment systems (not to mention the expertise) required to make sure a root canal procedure is done correctly and as painless as possible, so your dentist is taking good care of your by making the referral!

What does an endodontist do?

An endodontist is focused on the root canal system and tooth pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. There are a variety of endodontic procedures that endodontists specialize in, but the most common is root canal treatment/root canal therapy (commonly called a "root canal" for short).

Endodontists perform root canal procedures to remove the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth. They also treat conditions that affect the tooth pulp, such as inflammation or infection.

You can see an endodontist in one or two ways:

• You might be referred by your dentist, similar to how a general practice doctor might refer you to a specialist.

• You might've found us online and live in Granbury or the surrounding area and have been experiencing tooth pain, in which case we'd love to be able to help us. Just contact our office and work with our staff to set up an appointment that fits with your schedule.

When you come to our office, Dr. Nieves and our staff will diagnose the specific issue, work with you on a treatment plan and make sure your tooth pain is put to rest.

What is the difference between a dentist and an endodontist?

One thing you should definitely know: all endodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are endodontists!

The main difference between dentists and endodontists is their area of focus. Dentists provide routine care and treatment of problems with the teeth, gums, and mouth tissues, while endodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of problems that occur inside the tooth pulp and root canal system. Endodontists undergo additional training after dental school to prepare them for their specialty. Dr. Nieves attended a residency program at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine after completing both his DDS program (four years) and undergraduate studies (four years), so he has spent a ton of time learning how to best treat root canal infections and tooth pain.

How do dentists and endodontists work together?

Dentists and endodontists work together to ensure that patients receive the best possible care for their teeth. Dentists are responsible for providing general dental care, while endodontists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the tooth pulp. By working together, these two types of professionals can provide comprehensive care for patients. It's a team effort, and the goal is healthy teeth!

In many cases, dentists will refer patients to endodontists for specific procedures, such as root canals. However, both dentists and endodontists work together to promote oral health and prevent tooth decay. By regularly visiting the dentist and seeing an endodontist when necessary, patients can help keep their teeth healthy and avoid serious problems down the road.

Why see an endodontist?

If you are experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms that may be indicative of a problem with the tooth pulp or root canal system, seeing an endodontist may be the best option. Endodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of these problems, and can provide you with the best possible care.

BONUS: What is "endodontics" and what does that word mean?

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tooth pulp and root canal system. The word "endodontics" comes from the Greek words "endo," meaning inside, and "odons," meaning tooth. Endo + odons = endodontics!