Getting the right specialist for your oral health care can be a big task; most people get confused about the specialist they need for their mouth surgery and other oral health care. This is because both professionals have certain similarities. However, their differences outnumber their similarities. This article provides a complete guide on choosing the right oral health care provider for you.

Why do you need a Specialist?

When you have any oral health condition, the first solution that comes to mind is to visit a dentist. However, a dentist may not attend to some of your oral health conditions. The dentist may refer you to either an oral surgeon or endodontist in such cases. This is because they are trained for specific conditions. Although dentists have a general idea of most oral conditions, they cannot perform certain treatments. Hence, it’s best to visit a specialist with adequate knowledge of your oral health condition.

Similarities Between an Endodontist and an Oral Surgeon

Although both professionals are similar in their roles and educational requirements, they have different goals that qualify each for a specific purpose and cannot be used interchangeably. When deciding on the best specialist for your oral health care, look beyond the similarities stated below:

• Educational requirements:

Like Oral Surgeons, Endodontists are trained as dentists. Hence, they both have the same education as general dentists. This is why both can perform similar operations with a Dentist. However, the difference in both specialties starts immediately after dental school.

• Job roles:

Both professions deal with mouth surgeries. However, the only condition similar to both professions is the treatment of damaged teeth. Both endodontists and oral surgeons perform mouth surgery, but in different ways and for different purposes.

Differences Between Endodontists and Oral Surgeons

As earlier mentioned, an oral surgeon can’t perform most of the duties of an endodontist because they differ in many cases. The following differentiates Endodontists from oral surgeons:

• Educational requirements:

Endodontists and oral surgeons part ways right after dental school. They begin to pursue educational training that makes them suitable for their different professions. Each profession requires a different duration of training. While an endodontist needs about 3 years of training after dental school, an oral surgeon requires at least 6 years of extra training.

An endodontist learns how to treat root canals and carry out endodontics surgeries during this training. They’re also trained to suppress discomfort using new technological devices or local anesthetics. On the other hand, Oral Surgeons are trained to administer invitro and local anesthesia to patients. They also carry out more complex surgeries, such as reconstructing the face or cosmetic facial surgery.

• Area of focus:

Endodontists and oral surgeons focus on different areas, and your dentist will refer you to either of them based on your oral health condition.

Endodontists focus on microsurgeries, where they use surgical microscopes to view the inner passages in the teeth. They also know about the pulp and interior of teeth. Oral surgeons, also known as maxillofacial surgeons, deal with the face. They have an understanding of the teeth, bones, and facial tissues. Generally, oral surgeons cover larger areas than endodontists.

• The condition treated:
  

One of the main differences between endodontists and oral surgeons is in the conditions they treat. The condition of your oral health determines the specialist you need.

Oral Surgeons are contacted for teeth extraction, bone grafting, sinus surgery, and other related conditions. On the other hand, endodontists take care of conditions relating to teeth integrity and function. They are also called root canal specialists carlstadt because of their ability to perform an endodontic or root canal surgery.

In summary, your Carlstadt Dentist will refer you to an Endodontists if you have any of the following conditions:

• Traumatic dental injury
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Oral pain
• Tooth infection
• Gum disease

On the other hand, you will be referred to an oral surgeon if you have any of the conditions below:

• Sleep apnea
• Face trauma
• Tooth loss
• TMJ disorder
• Congenital defects of the jaw

Schedule Your Consultation With Dentist Carlstadt Today!

If you notice any of the conditions above, ensure you visit the right dental specialist to improve your smile. Visit us at Smiles by Rizzo so that you can learn more about an oral health condition. Schedule an appointment or call Dentist Carlstadt at (201) 939-5770 today.