There are many different specialized areas in dentistry, making it difficult for many people to decipher which specialty does what. Confusion increases when the names of the dental specialties are as similar as endodontics and orthodontics. In this case there is a clear distinction between these two areas of dentistry. For example, if you are told that you may need and apicoectomy in Ellicott City, an endodontist is the proper specialist to contact.
To help you better understand endodontics vs. orthodontics, we’ve created this quick and easy guide to the basics of each specialty, as well as some other pertinent information about what sets the two apart. If you end up needing endodontics in Maryland, make sure to reach out to Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman at Access Endodontics today at 410.304.7226.
What Is an Endodontist?
Perhaps you’ve recently visited your regular dentist, and they’ve suggested that you see a Maryland endodontist for a possible root canal treatment. While listening to your dentist, you may question what an endodontist does.
Simply put, an endodontist is a dental professional who specializes in treating issues involving the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that can sometimes become injured or infected due to dental trauma or tooth decay.
Common endodontic services include the following:
- Root canal therapy
- Apicoectomies
- Treatment of traumatic dental injuries
Endodontists are highly educated professionals in the dental field, and are skilled at diagnosing and treating issues involving the dental pulp. Their specialization is already specific, but they sometimes specialize even further by focusing on one particular area of endodontics. When you need an endodontist, make sure to look into their area of specialization.
What Is an Orthodontist?
If your dentist recommends you to an orthodontist, it’s for a very different reason than why they might suggest an endodontist. Orthodontists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of irregularities in the jaw. This refers mostly to alignment issues, including overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and more.
Common orthodontic treatments include:
- Metal braces
- Invisalign
- Retainers
When it comes to issues with alignment or bite, an orthodontist is the person to call.
Endodontics vs. Orthodontics
Now that we’ve covered the basics of these specialized areas of dentistry, it’s time to take a look at the things that set them apart from one another.
Endodontics focus on the dental pulp found on the inside of the tooth. Any issues involving tooth decay or tooth damage that affects the dental pulp should be diagnosed and treated by an experienced endodontist.
On the other hand, orthodontics is concerned with the alignment of the teeth rather than the inside of them. Any time that you or your child need to address an issue involving crowded teeth, crooked teeth, or any kind of bite problem, you want to speak with an orthodontist for a professional opinion.
The names are somewhat similar, but the area of dentistry that each of these specializations focus on are quite different from one another. If you have any further questions, speak to your dentist, and they will provide you guidance.
In Need of Endodontics in Maryland? Call Access Endodontics
When you need a Maryland endodontist you can trust, contact Access Endodontics by calling 410.304.7226 or using the online form. Our experts, Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman, can assess your oral health and develop a treatment plan just for you.