{"id":16,"date":"2025-03-04T20:47:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T20:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metaendo.com\/blog\/?p=16"},"modified":"2025-04-29T22:25:16","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T22:25:16","slug":"should-i-see-a-general-dentist-or-an-endodontist-for-a-root-canal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metaendo.com\/blog\/should-i-see-a-general-dentist-or-an-endodontist-for-a-root-canal\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I See a General Dentist or an Endodontist for a Root Canal?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"an<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

While all endodontists are technically dentists, did you know that less than 3% of dentists are endodontists? Continue reading to learn more about some of the key differences between general dentists and endodontists, along with a few reasons why there\u2019s perhaps no better choice than an endodontist when it comes to something like root canal treatment.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Dentists vs. Endodontists: Similar but Different<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All general dentists must attend dental school for several years to gain the experience, knowledge, and expertise needed to perform various types of treatment. However, following dental school, most of these newly ordained dentists don\u2019t stop there; they continue advancing their education and specializing in different fields within dentistry. Some go on to focus on cosmetic dentistry, which is all about improving a smile\u2019s aesthetics. Others become interested in fields that specialize in tooth replacement (prosthodontics), gum disease treatment (periodontics), and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, endodontics is another possible choice; these dentists have undergone specialized training in treating conditions that specifically affect the tooth roots and the interior of the tooth. After all, the prefix \u201cendo\u201d does stand for \u201cinside\u201d or \u201cwithin.\u201d These experts excel when it comes to root canal cases, endodontic surgery, and treating traumatic dental injuries. For this reason, endodontists are often referred to as true specialists in saving teeth!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should I See a Dentist or an Endodontist for a Root Canal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both general dentists and endodontists are indeed capable of performing root canals, but is the latter profession the best option for this treatment? In most cases, the answer is yes, an endodontist is going to be more skilled in providing treatment and better at diagnosing root canals than a general dentist; these procedures are their bread and butter! The advantages of choosing an endodontist for this tooth-saving procedure include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n