If you’re wondering about the differences between an orthodontist, a periodontist, and an endodontist, you’re not alone! These specialists all play important roles in maintaining your oral health, but they each focus on different aspects of your oral health care.
Here’s a breakdown of their unique areas of expertise and how they work together to give you a healthy smile.
Orthodontist vs. Periodontist vs. Endodontist: Education & Training
While all these specialists are trained as general dentists, each pursues additional education to focus on a specific area of oral health.
- Periodontists complete 3 extra years of training beyond dental school, focusing on gum disease, dental implants, and the bones that support your teeth.
- Endodontists undergo 2 to 3 years of specialized training in the internal structures of teeth, such as the pulp and roots.
- Orthodontists receive 2 to 3 additional years of education focusing on the alignment of teeth and jaws to correct bite issues and straighten teeth.
While orthodontists, periodontists, and endodontists all have advanced education, their expertise lies in different areas of care, and each plays an essential role in your oral health.
Difference Between Periodontist and Endodontist
Periodontist
A periodontist specializes in the health of your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth, including the bones of the jaw. If you’re dealing with gum disease, missing teeth, or gum recession, a periodontist is the specialist who can help. They provide treatments like:
- Gum disease treatment: From scaling and root planing to surgery, periodontists address gum infections and inflammation.
- Dental implants: Periodontists place and maintain implants to replace missing teeth.
- Gum recession care: Procedures like gum grafting restore lost gum tissue and protect your teeth from further recession.
Periodontists work to preserve the foundation of your smile, ensuring long-term gum and bone health.
Endodontist
An endodontist, on the other hand, focuses on the internal structures of your teeth, particularly the pulp and nerves. Endodontists are experts in saving teeth that have become infected or damaged, and they perform procedures like:
- Root canal therapy: Treating infection inside the tooth and sealing it to preserve the tooth structure.
- Tooth trauma care: Re-implanting or repairing teeth that have been knocked out or fractured.
- Apicoectomy: A surgical procedure to remove infected tissue from the root tip when a root canal doesn’t fully resolve the issue.
Endodontists are your go-to specialists for saving teeth from infection and trauma, ensuring that you don’t need to resort to tooth extraction.
Which Specialist Do You Need?
If you’re dealing with issues related to your gums, jawbone, or missing teeth, a periodontist is the specialist you should see. On the other hand, if you’re struggling with a tooth infection, dental trauma injury, or need a root canal, an endodontist will be able to help.
Orthodontists focus on bite and alignment issues, so if your concern involves crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, they’ll be the experts to guide you.
Periodontist Near Me in Tampa, Carrollwood, New Port Richey, and Trinity
If you’re searching for a periodontist near me in Tampa, Carrollwood, New Port Richey, or Trinity, we’d love to help! Dr. Stilley, Dr. Medina, and Dr. Mashkouri at the Periodontal Health Center specialize in treating gum disease, performing dental implants, and providing complete periodontal care to patients throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Whether you’re dealing with gum recession, missing teeth, or need expert care to maintain your gum health, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Request an appointment today through our website and take the first step toward a beautiful, healthy smile!