When experiencing a painful toothache, the first person most people call is their dentist. In some cases, they may even be able to schedule you for an emergency, same-day, evening, or weekend appointment and offer sedation to help keep you feeling comfortable and calm. But what happens when your problem requires the care of an expert? While a general dentist is well versed in caring for a variety of painful oral health issues, in some cases your smile may need the help of a specialist known as an endodontist. Here’s what they do, and how they can protect your teeth and alleviate your pain!
What is a General Dentist?
A general dentist is a doctor who has undergone three to four years of dental school training, followed by a dental residency. Upon completion, they can provide routine oral health care such as exams, fillings, cosmetic dentistry treatments, and even more advanced procedures like clear aligners, dental implants, and root canals.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who receives two to three additional years of specific dental school training to treat conditions that affect the pulp inside the teeth. Endodontists are experts in procedures like root canals, and more specifically how to ease toothache pain while preserving the natural tooth and reducing the need for extractions.
When Should I See an Endodontist?
While it’s true that any general dentist should be able to provide a root canal, this procedure is an endodontist’s specialty. In fact, while your general dentist likely treats a variety of oral health conditions on any given day, an endodontist’s focus is only issues that affect the delicate inner layer of the teeth. Thus, if you are experiencing a painful problem related to the pulp, these specially trained dentists may be able to provide a more comfortable and effective treatment overall.
Do I Still Need a General Dentist if I Have an Endodontist?
Although your endodontist has received the same basic dental education as a general dentist, in most cases you’ll still want to visit your regular dentist for routine care like preventive exams and cleanings, fillings, and cosmetic dentistry treatments like veneers or teeth whitening. However, if you’ve visited an endodontist in the past, they may recommend routine visits to keep an eye on a treated tooth. You can also visit them again if you need help with another injured tooth, but in most cases, you shouldn’t need to see them as often as your general dentist once your treatment is completed.
Remember, while your general dentist is highly skilled at providing a wide range of oral health services, an endodontist is specifically trained to treat the pulp of your teeth. Thus, if you are experiencing a painful tooth infection, relying on the help of an expert could make your procedure more comfortable and ultimately more successful.
About Our Practice
At Attleboro Dental Group, our team of dentists and dental specialists are highly skilled in a variety of smile-saving oral health treatments. Whether you need an exam and cleaning, a dazzling new set of veneers, or you’re suffering from a painful tooth infection that requires the advanced expertise of one of our endodontists, we’re standing by to assist you. To schedule a consultation for a root canal or for any other endodontic treatment, visit our website or call us today at 774-203-4195.
