What is an endodontist? An endodontist is a dental professional who specializes in the diagnosis of tooth pain and conservation of natural teeth by the use of advanced root canal and other endodontic treatments. What is an endodontic? Endodontists and general dentists in Vancouver are different: both take care of your oral health, though the endodontist has more training and technology to deal with complex root canal cases and send them to the general dentist. If you feel pain and need an appointment with Dr.Alavi in Hemlock Dental Clinic, fill out the form or contact us now at 604-738-9202.
What Is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist who has one or two additional years of practice in the specialized field of management of tooth-related issues within the dental pulp and root canals. This causes them to be the tooth saving specialists, where they desire to remove complex tooth pains and save your natural teeth whenever possible.
What is an endodontic? Endodontics is the practice of dentistry that concerns the inner part of the tooth, nerves, blood vessels, root canals and supporting tissues. Once these tissues are inflamed, infected, or damaged very badly, endodontics, like a root canal procedure, is usually the most conservative method of saving the tooth as opposed to extracting it.
What Does an Endodontist Do?
If you want to know why see an endodontist, remember that they treat and diagnose complex tooth pain and complete root canal treatment daily. Since they specialize in endodontic care, they are well versed in cleaning and shaping, as well as sealing of root canals, even in oddly shaped teeth with a long-term infection.
The standard endodontic treatment can involve standard root canal treatment, endodontic surgery, treatment of cracked or traumatically damaged teeth. Advanced imaging and microscopes are also applied in endodontic practice in order to diagnose the cause of complex tooth pain, which might be difficult to diagnose in a general dentistry practice.
Endodontist vs General Dentist in Vancouver
To check up, have cleaning, fillings, and cosmetic procedures, the most important oral healthcare provider is a general dentist. Simple root canal treatment can be carried out by a general dentist, but more complicated cases are referred to a root canal specialist, who has the best long term prognosis. Here are more details:
| Aspect | General Dentist | Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist) |
| Main role | Primary oral healthcare provider for checkups, cleanings, fillings, and cosmetic procedures | Specialist focused on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal and other endodontic procedures |
| Typical treatments | Checkups, dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, simple root canals, cosmetic and general dentistry services | Complex root canal treatments, retreatments, endodontic surgery, and management of complex tooth pain |
| Root canal cases | Can perform simple root canal treatment in straightforward cases | Handles more complicated root canal cases, including difficult anatomy and previously treated teeth |
| Training level | Dental school with broad training in all areas of general dentistry | Dental school plus an additional average of two or more years of specialized endodontic training |
| Case complexity | Focuses on routine and less complex procedures | Manages complex, high‑risk, or challenging root canal and tooth‑saving cases |
| Volume of root canals per day | Performs root canals occasionally as part of a wider range of treatments | Performs a large number of root canals per day, concentrating practice almost entirely on endodontic procedures |
| Predictability and success rates | Good outcomes in simple cases, may refer complex cases | Higher success rates and more predictable long‑term outcomes in complicated cases due to specialization and volume |
Need help? Call us now at 604-738-9202.
Is an Endodontist Better Than a Dentist?
If you want to know how to avoid root canal, you should know the differences between endodontists and dentists in application. They do not do the same thing and serve a different purpose in your treatment. The general dentists take care of general oral health, and the endodontists intervene when the interior of the tooth has become severely damaged or infected and requires special root canal treatment.
A study indicates that successful cases of complex root canals by endodontists are more successful, especially in molars and teeth that have already been treated. It is so because they have a high level of training, are exposed to the difficult anatomy very often, and they have some specialized tools that are used in the endodontic procedures.
Should a General Dentist Perform a Root Canal?
Very simple cases involving root canals can be safely performed by a general dentist, particularly in the front tooth or in a simple root single-rooted tooth. This may be convenient to the patients as they do not have to change dental clinics where they get their care.
However, in cases of widespread infection, the roots are complicated, the symptoms are chronic, or the prior root canal has failed, the patient is normally referred to an endodontist. Of such cases, the specialist in root canal has the expertise and equipment to handle challenging anatomy, find concealed canals, and provide the tooth with the most likely chance of a successful long-term outcome. Do you need help? Contact us now at 604-738-9202.
How Endodontists Help You Avoid Extraction
Most patients are concerned that a tooth that causes a great deal of pain must be extracted; however, endodontic treatment done by tooth-saving specialist can often prevent an extraction. Endodontists can eliminate the pain and seal the tooth by removing infected pulp tissue, disinfecting the canals, and restoring the tooth so that it functions for years.
One of our clients, Moazam Noorollah states that:
“I had a bad root canal pain, and Dr. Alavi took me in on the same day. She’s
compassionate, warm. Also the assistant Anse and the front desk Niki. It’s the
best experience I ever had.”
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When to See a Root Canal Specialist
If you are in Vancouver and experiencing:
- lingering tooth pain
- sensitivity to hot or cold
- discomfort when biting
An endodontist Vancouver can help determine whether the tooth can be saved with root canal therapy. Your general dentist may refer you to a root canal specialist when the case is complex or when advanced imaging and microsurgical techniques are required. Fill out the form o this page to set a fast appointment with Dr. Alavi.
Aftercare: Antibiotics After Root Canal and Healing
Most modern root canal procedures do not require routine antibiotics because the infection is treated directly inside the tooth. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics after root canal treatment if there is significant swelling, systemic symptoms, or a high-risk medical condition. Good aftercare usually includes over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by your dentist, avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until it is restored, and returning for the final crown or filling to protect the tooth.
Dental Care in Vancouver, BC by Hemlock Dental Clinic
Patients searching for a dental clinic in Vancouver BC or dentist near Fairview / West Broadway often want both comprehensive general dentistry in Vancouver and access to advanced endodontic treatment when tooth pain strikes. At Hemlock, we are an emergency dentist in Vancouver that offer same-day pain relief, and close collaboration with a root canal specialist that is helpful if you develop a sudden toothache or swelling. Do you need help? Do not hesitate to contact us at Hemlock Dental Clinic Vancouver or fill out the form.
FAQs
What is a endodontist?
It is a dental pulp specialist with advanced training in diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal therapy to save teeth.
What is an endodontic procedure?
It is any treatment focused on the inside of the tooth, most commonly a root canal procedure that cleans and seals the canals.
Who should do my root canal: endodontist vs general dentist?
Simple cases may be treated by a general dentist, but complex, painful, or previously treated teeth are usually best handled by an endodontist
