Endodontist Vs. Periodontist; What is the Difference?
Dentistry has different specialties that address dental problems like surgery or implants. However, when you have tooth pain, the first point of contact is your primary dentist.
But if you have an issue with your gums or tooth pulp, your general dentist may recommend a periodontist or endodontist near you. These are specialists that address these issues and prevent them.
Who is a Periodontist?
A periodontist focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the periodontal (gum) ligament and supporting tissues in and around the teeth, including the gums, bone, and other soft tissues. They treat periodontal disease and gum recession and perform surgical procedures such as bone grafting.
Who is an Endodontist?
Endodontists are tooth specialists and perform procedures like root canal therapy and endodontic microsurgeries. These procedures are typically performed on the teeth that a dentist has already treated. To start the process of a dental procedure, the dentist will take out a piece of the tooth, then perform a root canal. The endodontist then finishes the procedure by completely sealing the tooth, removing the necrotic pulp, and replacing the tooth with a filling.
Endodontist vs. Periodontist: Education
Both endodontists and periodontists start with undergraduate degrees before dental school and residency training.
Endodontists’ specialization requires at least three years of training. During this time, they learn about the pulp and inner parts of the teeth and the conditions that affect them. Periodontists learn about the conditions that affect the gums and how to treat them.
Endodontist vs. Periodontist: Conditions Treated
Periodontists and endodontists perform different procedures that affect the teeth and gums.
- Endodontists perform:
- Root canal
A root canal therapy removes infected pulp and saves it from extraction. The root canal, or canals, are the areas inside your tooth that contain the nerve and the pulp. If these areas are damaged, it can cause pain and infection. If you need a root canal treatment, you can choose to have the procedure performed by a root canal dentist.
- Apicoectomy
Apicoectomy is done to treat inflamed gum tissues. Unlike a root canal, the procedure removes the tip of the root and leaves the top part in place.
- Endodontic retreatment
This is done to correct the issues that arise during the first root canal procedure. Our dentist in Chantilly may recommend the procedure if you have existing canals that were not treated in the first procedure.
- Periodontists perform:
- Gum disease treatment
Our periodontist may perform procedures such as root planing and scaling. These treatments remove tartar from the gums to prevent the growth of bacteria and other plaque-causing organisms. He may also perform surgical procedures like flap surgery and soft tissue grafting to correct deep pockets and recessions.
- Gum grafting
Periodontists perform gum grafting to help repair the gums that have been damaged by gum disease. They may do this by using a piece of tissue called a tissue graft. The periodontist will remove a tissue matter from your palate and attach it to the affected area.
- Bone grafting
The bone grafting procedure is done to stimulate new bone growth. The periodontist will remove bone matter from a different part of the body and place it into the gums to stimulate new bone growth.
How to Prevent Tooth Root and Gum Issues?
Periodontists and endodontists provide care to people of all ages. To keep your teeth strong and healthy, you can take steps to help prevent tooth and gum issues:
- Brush, floss, and rinse your tongue and mouth twice a day.
- Visiting your dentist regularly (twice a year) will help you keep your teeth and gum free of tartar.
- Avoid smoking because it affects your gums and teeth.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food to strengthen the teeth.
- Cut back on sugary drinks, especially soda and fruit juice. The sugary foods cause the bacteria to produce acid, which affects the teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Chantilly Dental Arts Center for more information about endodontic and periodontal treatments and what you can expect.