Here's what endodontists do, how they're different from regular dentists, and when you might need one.
What Endodontists Do
Endodontists treat the inside of the tooth—the pulp chamber and root canals. "Endo" means inside, and "odont" means tooth.
Common procedures:
- Root canal treatment
- Root canal retreatment (when previous fails)
- Endodontic surgery (apicoectomy)
- Treating dental trauma
- Managing cracked teeth
- Diagnosing tooth pain
Their focus:
Saving teeth that might otherwise need extraction. They specialize in relieving tooth pain and treating infections inside teeth.
Endodontist vs General Dentist
- General dentist: 4 years dental school
- Endodontist: 4 years dental school PLUS 2-3 years specialized training
What this means:
Endodontists spend an additional 2-3 years focused specifically on root canal treatments and internal tooth problems.
Experience level:
- General dentist: May do 2-5 root canals per month
- Endodontist: May do 25+ root canals per WEEK
Equipment:
Endodontists typically have:
- Operating microscopes (25x magnification)
- Advanced imaging (3D cone-beam CT)
- Specialized instruments
- More anesthesia options
When You Need an Endodontist
Complex root canals:
- Teeth with unusual anatomy
- Curved or narrow canals
- Teeth with multiple roots
- Previous failed root canals
Difficult cases:
- Calcified (hardened) canals
- Separated instruments in canals
- Perforations in the root
- Resorption (dissolving root)
Specific situations:
- Dental trauma
- Uncertain diagnosis
- Need for surgery (apicoectomy)
- Cracked tooth evaluation
When general dentist is fine:
- Straightforward root canals
- Front teeth (usually simpler)
- Healthy patient with no complications
What to Expect at an Endodontist
- Review of X-rays and symptoms
- Pulp vitality testing
- Examination
- Discussion of diagnosis and treatment
- May begin treatment same day
During root canal:
- Local anesthesia
- Rubber dam isolation
- Use of microscope for precision
- Often completed in one visit
- Detailed explanation of procedure
After treatment:
- Usually return to general dentist for crown
- May have follow-up with endodontist
- Instructions for care
Cost:
Endodontist root canals typically cost $200-500 more than at general dentist, but may be worth it for complex cases.
Finding an Endodontist
- Ask your general dentist for referral
- Search American Association of Endodontists (aae.org)
- Check insurance network
- Read reviews
Questions to ask:
- How many root canals do you perform yearly?
- Do you use a microscope?
- What's the success rate for my type of case?
- How many appointments will I need?
Red flags:
- No microscope available
- Unwilling to discuss experience
- Much lower prices than market rate
Key Takeaways
If your dentist recommends seeing an endodontist, it's usually because your case could benefit from their specialized training and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an endodontist better than a dentist for root canal?
For complex cases, yes. Endodontists have 2-3 years additional training and do many more root canals. Simple, straightforward root canals can often be done well by general dentists.
Why would I be referred to an endodontist?
Referrals happen for complex tooth anatomy, failed previous root canals, uncertain diagnosis, dental trauma, or if surgery might be needed. Your dentist may also refer if they don't perform root canals.
Do endodontists do other procedures besides root canals?
They also do root canal retreatment, endodontic surgery (apicoectomy), treat dental trauma, and diagnose complex tooth pain. Their focus is the inside of teeth.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
