Periodontist Vs. Endodontist: Who, What, & Why?

An estimated 13% of adults seek dental care for oral problems. 

Interestingly, while seeking care, most individuals have no idea about the type of oral problem they’re suffering from. This confusion leads many to seek different experts and waste time and money. 

Keeping the same in mind, this blog explores:

  • Endodontist Vs. Periodontist: Who They Are?
  • Endodontist Vs. Periodontist: Differences & Similarities
  • Dentists x Periodontists: The Relationship Explained!
  • Tips To Prevent Tooth Root & Gum Issues?

Introduction:

Have you ever felt immense pain in your oral cavity but are confused about whom to consult?

Relax, it’s common! A majority of patients are generally confused between periodontists and endodontists. This is mostly because both experts have a common ring to their name. 

Interestingly, however, both professionals treat individual parts of your mouth differently. In the following sections, let’s learn more about the difference between periodontist and endodontist. 

Endodontist Vs. Periodontist: Who They Are?

What Is An Endodontist?

An endodontist is a dental specialist who specializes in the care of the tooth pulp and tissues around the root of a tooth. They are also knowledgeable about different disorders and diseases that affect the pulp and root of the tooth.

Endodontists are educated to handle unsuccessful root canals, endodontic surgery, oral trauma, and broken teeth, among other things. They are most commonly recommended for their competence in root canals.

What Is A Periodontist?

A periodontist is a professional who gives you the answer to what is periodontics. These professionals specialize in the structures that support the teeth and the disorders or illnesses affecting them. They are experts in preserving gums, cementum (root cells), alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. 

Your periodontist is also educated in the care and placement of dental implants. A periodontist can provide a variety of therapies, including root planing, dental scaling, and therapy for serious gum disorders.

Endodontist Vs. Periodontist: Differences & Similarities

Training

Endodontists and periodontists, as previously stated, are both experts in operating on various regions of the mouth. Upon graduation, they attend dental school and receive dental degrees with an additional 2-3 years of specialty study. 

Conversely, endodontists typically study giving local anesthetic, performing microsurgery, lowering patient suffering, and enhancing root canal procedures.

Periodontists, on the other hand, primarily focus on surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment

Special Treatment Options

Endodontists are experts in root canal therapy. While ordinary dentists may do such treatments, they lack the experience of endodontists due to the limited number of times they have done so. 

Periodontics dentistry deals with your gums; therefore, periodontists specialize in gums and treating disorders that affect them. They generally manage your healthy gums and specialize in root scaling or planing. These are your go-to professionals for eliminating tartar and plaque from the roots beneath the gumline.

Are Endodontists And Periodontists Also Dentists?

Yes! Both periodontists and endodontists are dentists specializing in different aspects of your mouth. Endodontists specialize in issues with the inside of teeth, while periodontists specialize in issues with the gums and supporting bone structure.

However, since many individuals confuse themselves with when to consult these professionals, we’ve curated a chart to help you understand which expert is best for what oral requirement: 

When Should You Visit An Endodontist? When Should You Visit A Periodontist?
Endodontists are dental professionals who can treat severe tooth pain. Root canal therapy can prevent fractured, broken, cracked teeth, extractions, and tooth decay.  Periodontists are masters in eliminating tartar and plaque buildup with thorough scaling since they specialize in gum illnesses. 
Endodontists can help you with the following treatments: 

  • Root canal therapy and re-treatment
  • Internal bleaching
  • Regenerative endodontics
  • Accidental trauma
  • Dental implants
  • Fixing cracked and broken teeth
  • Root-end surgical procedures
 Periodontist can help you with the following     treatments: 

    • Root planing
    • Dental implants
    • Root scaling
    • Jawbone reconstruction
    • Modifying gum tissue     
    • Periodontics endodontic 
    • Crown lengthening

Dentists x Periodontists: The Relationship Explained!

When your dentist sends you to a periodontist, the two specialists will collaborate to some extent. Your periodontist will keep your dentist up to speed on your treatments and development. In addition to the significant issue, your dentist will inform your periodontist about any pertinent disorders in your mouth.

Remember that your general dentist is your mouth’s main care provider. Your general dentists can keep up with your development by speaking with your periodontists. This also allows them to assess whether you require additional treatments from them or another specialist.

Tips To Prevent Tooth Root & Gum Issues

While it’s a great idea to visit a periodontist and endodontist to treat your oral health, maintaining adequate oral health is the best way to prevent such visits. 

Keeping the same in mind, we’ve listed a few takeaway tips to prevent tooth root and gum issues

  • Visit your dentist regularly to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
  • Brush, floss, and clean your tongue twice a day.
  • Avoid smoking since it harms your gums and teeth.
  • Stay hydrated and consume nutritious foods.
  • Reduce your intake of sugary drinks.

Takeaway 

  • An estimated 13% of adults seek dental care for oral problems. 
  • Both periodontists and endodontists are dentists specializing in different aspects of your mouth. 
  • Your general dentist is your mouth’s primary care provider.