Endodontist vs. Periodontist: What's the Difference?

You may be wondering what the difference is between an endodontist and a periodontist. Both are specialists in dentistry, but they have different areas of expertise. This blog post is dedicated to helping you become more informed on the difference between an endodontist and a periodontist.

An endodontist specializes in issues with the inside of teeth, while a periodontist specializes in issues with the gums and supporting bone structure.

When should you see an endodontist vs. a periodontist? Keep reading to find out!

What is an Endodontist?

You might've noticed, but Dr. Nieves is an endodontist! He specializes in diagnosing and treating issues with the pulp or nerve of the teeth, and is especially helpful when you're having tooth pain. An endodontist is an experts in endodontics (obviously), and endodontists go through additional training after dental school to become endodontists.

The most common procedure that endodontists perform is a root canal (we also refer to is as root canal therapy). During a root canal, endodontists remove the damaged or infected pulp from inside the tooth. They then clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth to help save the tooth (and make sure the pain goes away!).

Endodontists also treat cracked teeth, which can be caused by biting down on hard objects or trauma to the face. If you have a crack in your tooth, endodontists can place a filling or a crown to help restore your tooth and prevent further damage.

No matter the issues, if you're dealing with tooth pain, an endodontist can help. Dr. Nieves takes so much pride in making sure his patients are happy, so if you're having tooth pain, definitely don't hesitate to contact us!

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum disease. They are experts in the field of periodontics.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn't removed, it can harden into tartar, which can cause your gums to become inflamed. This is called gingivitis, and it's the early stage of gum disease.

If gingivitis isn't treated, it can progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that can damage the bones and tissues that support your teeth. Periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth loss, so it's important to see a periodontist if you think you might have gum disease.

When should you see an endodontist vs. a periodontist?

If you're experiencing any pain in your teeth or gums, it's always a good idea to see your dentist first. They'll be able to take a look and determine whether you need to see an endodontist or a periodontist.

Endodontists usually treat tooth pain that's caused by infection, while periodontists usually treat gum disease. However, there is some overlap in their areas of expertise, so it's always best to consult with your dentist first.

If you're in the Granbury area and you're looking for an endodontist or periodontist, Dr. Nieves is here to help! He has years of experience helping patients with all kinds of dental issues, and he'd be honored to help you, too.

Are endodontists and periodontists also dentists?

Yep! Endodontists and periodontists are both types of dentists, but with differences in what they specialize in regarding your teeth and mouth. Endodontists specialize in issues with the inside of teeth, while periodontists specialize in issues with the gums and supporting bone structure. Your dentist is trained to help diagnose these types of issues and can refer you to either an endodontist (like Dr. Nieves) or a periodontist depending on the treatment plan needed for your teeth.

How much extra training do endodontists and periodontists go through?

Both endodontists and periodontists go through extra training after they finish dental school. Endodontists complete a two- to three-year residency program in endodontics, while periodontists complete a three-year residency program in periodontics.

In their training, endodontists spend many hours learning how to diagnose and treat problems with the pulp of the tooth, such as infection or inflammation. They also learn how to perform root canals, which are procedures that remove the damaged pulp from the tooth.

Here's a quick list of the training that endodontists go through:

• Four years in dental school

• Two to three years in a post-graduate residency program

• An exam to become certified by the American Board of Endodontics (optional) (Fun fact: Dr. Nieves is board certified!)

Periodontists learn how to diagnose and treat gum disease, which is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. They also learn how to perform periodontal surgery, which is necessary to correct severe gum disease.

• Four years in dental school

• Two to three years in a post-graduate residency program

• An exam to become certified by the American Board of Periodontics (optional)

In addition to their clinical training, both endodontists and periodontists must successfully pass a written and oral examination in order to be licensed to practice in their state.

What's it like when endodontics meets periodontics?

Unfortunately, if a root canal infection goes untreated it can actually cause an abscess, or a pus swelling, in the jaw bone. This causes gum tenderness around your tooth, and a root canal may be necessary to treat the dental infection.

This isn't necessarily a periodontic condition to be treated, but it does show the dangers of how one problem can lead to another. Luckily, Dr. Nieves is trained to perform the necessary procedure to work to restore your teeth and make sure the infected tissue is removed.

By removing the damaged or infected tissue inside the tooth, root canals can help to restore the health of the gum tissue and prevent further damage to the tooth.

Want to meet an endodontist?

Though having a root canal is probably the last thing most people want to do, Dr. Nieves is extremely dedicated to making sure your root canal, if you do need to have one, is done professionally and with the utmost care. He is passionate about taking care of his patients and making sure they get back to a life without tooth pain.

If you're having issues with tooth pain or think you may need to see an endodontist, definitely contact our office to schedule an appointment. We can help you determine whether you actually do need to come in and meet Dr. Nieves.