Title: Root canal: Dentist or Endodontist?
1Root canal Dentist or Endodontist? Root canal
problems can either be treated by a dentist or a
root canal specialist. Also called an
endodontist, root canal specialists have an edge
over the dentists. However, since it is a
personal decision, this article will outline the
risks and rewards of both medical
officers. Before the advent of endodontists,
every dentist challenge was the
dentists headache. But there are simple reasons
why endodontists came to be. When a tooth
breaks, it is either caused by an abscess or a
broken tooth. It is only wise to believe that the
victim will be in abject pain. But the dentist
has a book full of appointments for different
issues plaguing the teeth. On the other hand,
endodontists are specialists in tooth problems
and proffer immediate solutions. Thus, they are
more concerned about the immediate elimination of
a toothache. What the dentist will do is to
cultivate a good relationship with their
endodontist. This means that most emergencies on
the dentists table will be forwarded to this
specialist. In addition, endodontists act as
back-up when the dentist is on vacation or
leave. Dentists spend a great deal of time on
root canals. As a specialist, the endodontist is
skilled in treating root canal problems. In fact,
such a specialist is expected to be familiar with
all the necessary procedures. This means that
lesser time will be spent in the chair if such
patients were at the dentists. Truly, a
professional endodontist can complete a molar
root canal operation in less than 60
minutes. Some peoples teeth have a ridiculous
configuration. Such examples are when the roots
curl haphazardly into neighboring roots.
Calcification of canals can also occur. When such
abnormalities occur, a certified endodontist
knows the right strings to pull. This saves time
and reduces the amount of pain that may
occur. Some patients complain that they spend a
lot of hours sitting in a chair at the dentists.
In fact, a high number of such patients end up
being referred to the endodontist when time is
far spent. This can also occur in the simplest
procedures such as the root canal. Furthermore,
a patient may be referred to an endodontist in
cases where a simple mistake by the dentist
occurs. For example, a dentist may perforate the
root accidentally during a root canal. This
perforation leads to the
2outside of the root but can be corrected.
Nevertheless, an endodontist may make such
mistakes as well but it is common with dentists.
Their expertise and experience make them highly
suitable to mend the perforation. In other
cases, a patient may have extra canals which are
overlooked by the dentist. This can lead to an
abscess that requires quick treatment. In
addition, there are times when a dentist will
treat two out of three canals. By the time the
third canal is discovered, calcification must
have occurred. This is sincerely painful and an
endodontist has to complete the task. The moment
a dentist abandons a root canal, this is legally
called a re- treatment. Due to the extra time
allotted coupled with the specialization,
retreatments are very expensive. In fact, an
endodontist who treats an abandoned tooth must
accept legal responsibility for another persons
mistake. Because of the need for correction, the
time allotted to the procedure is seemingly high.
A few patients understand this and others flare
up for paying a huge amount than the first time.
Sometimes, dental insurance does not cover the
retreatment procedure. These are scenarios that
are seen at some endodontists offices. This does
not mean that all dentists are terrible at their
job. But the purpose of this article is to show
the area of specialization of Endodontists. Sourc
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