If you’ve ever been referred to a dental specialist, you may have wondered: endodontist vs. orthodontist—what’s the difference? While both are highly trained dental professionals, they focus on very different aspects of oral health.
Understanding the difference between these specialties can help you get the right care at the right time. This guide breaks down what each specialist does, when you might need one, and how they fit into the broader world of dental specialties and types of dentists.
What does an endodontist actually do?
Endodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the inside of the tooth, including the pulp, nerves, and root canal system. The endodontics definition centers on diagnosing and treating tooth pain caused by infection or inflammation within the tooth.
The most common endodontic treatment is a root canal, which removes infected tissue and saves the natural tooth. Endodontists are experts in managing dental pain and preserving teeth that might otherwise require extraction.
How much training does an endodontist have?
So, what is an endodontist? An endodontist is a dentist who completes an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school, focusing specifically on diagnosing and treating issues inside the tooth. This advanced training allows them to:
- Perform complex root canal treatments
- Handle root canal retreatment cases
- Treat dental trauma (like cracked or knocked-out teeth)
- Perform surgical procedures such as apicoectomies
If you’re wondering what an endodontist does, their primary goal is to relieve pain and save natural teeth whenever possible.
What does an orthodontist do and treat?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on tooth alignment and bite correction. If you’re asking what orthodontics is, it’s about improving the function and appearance of your smile.
Orthodontists treat:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
Common orthodontic treatments include:
- Braces
- Clear aligners (like Invisalign)
- Retainers
Unlike endodontists, orthodontists focus on tooth alignment rather than infection or tooth pain.
Endodontist vs. orthodontist: Side-by-side comparison
When comparing an endodontist vs. an orthodontist, the key difference lies in what part of the tooth or mouth they treat.
Endodontics focuses on the dental pulp found inside the tooth. Any issues involving tooth decay or tooth damage that affect the dental pulp should be diagnosed and treated by an experienced endodontist. Endodontists frequently perform root canals, retreatments, and apicoectomies to resolve tooth pain, infection, and trauma.
Orthodontics is concerned with the alignment of the teeth rather than the inside of them. Orthodontists address issues such as crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth, as well as bite problems. They often use braces, aligners, and retainers to improve teeth alignment and function.
What procedures does an endodontist perform?
Endodontists specialize in a range of procedures focused on saving natural teeth. Common endodontic treatment options include:
- Root canal treatment to remove infected pulp
- Endodontic retreatment for previously treated teeth that didn’t heal properly
- Apicoectomy (surgical root-end procedure) for persistent infection
- Pulpotomy to remove part of the pulp in certain cases
These procedures help eliminate infection, relieve pain, and preserve the tooth’s structure.
Which dental specialist do you need?
There are many types of dentists, each focusing on a different area of care. Understanding dental specialties can help you know where to go for treatment. In addition to endodontists and orthodontists, other specialists include:
- Periodontists who specialize in gum health and disease
- Prosthodontists who specialize in crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Oral surgeons who specialize in extractions, implants, and surgery
- Pediatric dentists who specialize in children’s dental care
Your general dentist will typically refer you to the appropriate specialist based on your needs.
Signs you should see an endodontist instead of a general dentist
While general dentists provide a wide range of preventive and restorative services, such as exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and initial evaluations of tooth pain, certain symptoms may require more specialized care.
Endodontists are dentists who have completed additional training in diagnosing and treating issues inside the tooth, particularly those involving the dental pulp and root canals. They are equipped to handle complex cases and use advanced techniques to save your natural tooth. You should consider seeing an endodontist if you have:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- A cracked or injured tooth
- A failed root canal or need for retreatment
- Swelling or signs of infection (abscess)
Endodontic care at Access Endodontics
At Access Endodontics in Ellicott City, MD, we provide specialized endodontic treatment to relieve pain and save natural teeth. Our services include root canals, endodontic retreatment, and care for dental trauma. Our team uses advanced imaging and precise techniques to achieve accurate diagnoses and effective outcomes.
As a practice dedicated exclusively to endodontics, we’re equipped to handle both routine and complex cases. Whether your general dentist has referred you or you are seeking a second opinion, our experienced team delivers focused, high-quality care in Ellicott City and throughout the surrounding Maryland area.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been referred for specialized care, our team at Access Endodontics is here to help. Call 410.304.7226 or reach out online to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Is an endodontist a dentist? |
|---|
| Yes. Most root canals can be successfully retreated through endodontic retreatment, especially when performed by a specialist. |
Do I need a referral to see an endodontist? |
| Many patients are referred by their general dentist, but a referral is not always required. You can contact an endodontist directly if you’re experiencing symptoms. |
Who does root canals: dentist or endodontist? |
| Both general dentists and endodontists perform root canals. However, endodontists specialize in more complex cases, including retreatment and difficult tooth anatomy. |