If your dentist determines that you need a root canal treatment to save an infected tooth, it’s often possible for them to perform the procedure themselves. However, in many cases, they may instead refer you to an endodontist – a specialist who focuses on treating problems inside the tooth. What separates an endodontist from a regular dentist? Here’s a brief overview of 4 of the differences between the two.
1. Educational Levels
Like dentists, all endodontists are expected to complete four years of dental school. But their education doesn’t stop there; they must also complete an advanced specialty program in endodontics. Said program takes about two to three years of additional study, and it specifically focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of issues involving dental pulp (the soft tissue at the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves).
2. Experience
On average, an endodontist will perform roughly 25 root canal treatments in a week. In comparison, most general dentists will only complete around two root canals in the same amount of time. Needless to say, this means that endodontists tend to be much more experienced when it comes to this procedure. As a result, they’re often in a better position to diagnose and treat particularly complex cases.
3. Expertise in Pain Management
Root canal treatments are nowhere near as painful as many people assume, especially when they’re handled by an expert. Endodontists work with all kinds of patients, including those who have a hard time getting numb with local anesthetic; you can count on them to take whatever steps are needed to help you stay comfortable during every step of your treatment.
4. Technology
To maximize each patient’s chances of being able to enjoy a successful root canal treatment, endodontists make a point of keeping up with the latest technology. For example, many endodontic practices utilize dental operating microscopes, which can give the endodontist a significantly magnified view of the tooth. This can be helpful for locating canals that might have gone undetected otherwise, thus ensuring that your endodontist is able to clean your tooth as thoroughly as possible.
In short, if you need a root canal treatment, it’s generally best to leave it up to an endodontist. They have the education, experience, technology, and pain management skills to make sure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Ali Forghani is the lead endodontist at North Jersey Endodontic Group of Paramus. He completed his advanced education in endodontics at the New York University College of Dentistry, and he serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in their Department of Postgraduate Endodontics program. He provides root canal treatments and other services to help his patients find relief from their oral pain and protect the health of their smiles. If you need the services of a skilled endodontist, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Forghani by visiting his website or calling (201) 265-3334.