How Do Dentists and Endodontists Work Together?

General dentists and endodontists work together as a team. Your dentist is available to assist you with preventative care, cleanings and fillings, and you will see your dentist on a regular basis. An endodontist, on the other hand, focuses more on complicated or emergency situations. A severely decayed tooth or an accident that cracks a tooth are instances when you would see an endodontist. Your dentist will most likely be your first stop for these cases, then your dentist will refer you to the endodontist for more specialized care. The process can be a little confusing, so we wanted to give you some information about how dentists and endodontists work together:

Your Dentist

Have you ever heard someone tell a little child that the dentist is their friend? At that time in life, parents are trying to encourage their children not to be afraid of the dentist, so they will use that common phrase to help them feel better about the stranger who is going to be poking and prodding in their mouth. As you grow into adulthood, especially if you have the same dentist as you had as a child, you may begin to realize that your dentist really is your friend! You see them every six months and share stories about your kids, jobs and hobbies in between the brushing, scraping and water pics.

You trust your dentist. You call when you have a toothache, when your gums seem to be too red and tender or if you get an injury. They are on hand to help you and all of their other patients with a variety of issues. Their schedules are usually full and their time limited. When a major problem arises, it can be difficult to address it in a timely manner. This is why dentists rely on the skill and knowledge of an endodontist.

Your Dentist and Endodontist

Your dentist will contact an endodontist to make a referral or schedule a consultation for you. When your dentist is faced with a complicated issue such as hard-to-locate canals, curvy canals or fractures that are hard to see, it is common for them to contact an endodontist for advice. The two will work together to plot out the best plan of action for your care. Whether the endodontist gives insight on how your dentist can complete the procedure or your dentist determines you need the specialized care of the endodontist, the decision is always made with your best interest in mind.

Dentists usually refer the most difficult cases of infected or compromised teeth to endodontists, who are specialists in the speedy resolution of such cases and experts in pain management. Endodontists have undergone additional training in treating the pulp of the tooth and focus their attention solely on treating issues involving this specific area. Endodontist also have specialized technology, such as surgical microscopes and 3-D scans, that allow them to see your issues more clearly. They also have specialized tools to make the process easier and better for the patient.

Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist in emergency cases as well. Dentists are usually booked full on a daily basis and may have difficulty in the case of an emergency. Most endodontists leave room in their schedules for emergency situations, so when one arises, they can see the patient in a timelier manner than what a dentist may be able to. This referral process ensures that you receive the best care possible.

Partners In The Healing Process

Both your dentist and your endodontist have one main goal: to give you the best treatment possible. You are a valued patient to both of them and they will work closely together so that you can return to normal quickly and with little discomfort. Because you may only see your endodontist a few times, communication between their office and your regular dentist is crucial. The dentist and endodontist will have access to your records so they can share information that will help you with your recovery and continued oral health.  You will return to your dentist for follow-up care and regular cleanings just like you always have. Our hope is that you will not have to return to the endodontist for additional root canal treatment.

If you have questions about root canal treatments or whether your condition needs a dentist or the specialized care of an endodontist, please feel free to contact our office today. We will answer your questions and assist you in getting the proper care that you need.