Dentist vs. Endodontist - What's the Difference?

Dentists and endodontists are dental experts with different areas of expertise. A dentist is more focused on preventing tooth decay and restoration. On the other hand, an endodontist is a specialist focused on the inside of your teeth, known as dental pulp.

Let’s take a look at how these two professionals differ:

Education and Training

Dentist: After completing their undergraduate degree, dentists attend dental school and complete a four-year program. Dental school includes both classroom education and hands-on clinical training. Upon graduating, individuals pass national and state licensing exams to become licensed dentists.

Endodontist: After dental school, individuals complete a two to three-year residency program in endodontics. During this period, they receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating issues related to the dental pulp, such as root canals. To become a certified endodontist, they have to pass the American Board of Endodontics certification examination.

Practice

Dentist

• Restorative procedures (Bridges, Fillings, Crowns)
• Preventive care (X-Rays, Cleanings, Exams)
• Orthodontics (Braces, Clear Aligners)
• Cosmetic dentistry (Veneers, Teeth Whitening)
• Gum disease treatment
• Oral surgery (Extractions)
• Routine dental care and maintenance

Endodontist

• Root Canal Therapy: Removing infected or damaged pulp.
• Diagnosing dental pain
• Dental Trauma Treatment: Treating dental injuries and traumatic dental events, such as cracked or fractured teeth.

Equipment and Technology

Dentists and endodontists use similar equipment, such as dental chairs, X-ray machines, and dental tools. However, endodontists often have more specialized tools and technology for performing root canals.

They use advanced imaging techniques, such as digital radiography, CT scan, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), to diagnose and treat complex cases. They also have specialized instruments for cleaning and shaping the narrow and intricate canals.

You should see a general dentist for routine dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and most common dental procedures. However, you should see an endodontist if you are experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold beverages, or have a dental injury that may have affected the pulp.

Auburn Family Dental has an expert team of dentists who perform regular teeth exams. They use state-of-the-art technology in their procedures. For more information, visit their website or call (316) 201-6323 to talk to a dentist in Shulte.