When to See an Endodontist VS. Periodontist

Who Is an Endodontist?

An endodontist in Dublin, CA performs endodontic procedures in dentistry. Endodontic procedures entail dental work on the insides of a damaged tooth to remove infected tissues and save the tooth. Endodontic procedures offer a treatment option to patients who want to avoid tooth extractions.

Who Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist in Dublin, CA that offers treatments for periodontium health. The dental works involve treating infected and damaged gums and jawbone. Patients need periodontists for gum problems like gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal treatment can also help patients get dental implants for tooth replacement.

Endodontists Vs. Periodontists

Endodontic and periodontic dentistry are two completely different specialties. Patients only think they are related or similar because of the terminologies.

A general way to understand the major difference between these two dental experts is that endodontists specialize in treating the inside of teeth while periodontists focus on caring for gum health and the surrounding bone tissue.

When Should You See An Endodontist?

Ideally, you should not be overwhelmed about figuring out the right dentist for your treatment. When you visit us at View Mobile Dental, we will perform a comprehensive dental exam to determine the underlying oral problems. Afterward, we can point you to the right dental specialty for handling your treatments. However, you need treatments by an endodontist near you if you have any of the following dental problems:

1. Toothache – an aching tooth indicates inflamed or infected nerve endings. You need speedy treatment to alleviate the pain.

2. Tooth cavity – not all cases of dental decay necessitate tooth removal. Your local San Ramon dentist may recommend a root canal procedure to treat your decayed tooth before placing a tooth filling over it.

3. Abscessed tooth – a bacterial infection in a tooth can penetrate to the tooth roots, building up fluids and pus that accumulate at the base near the gum line. You may notice bumps and lumps along your gum line near a diseased tooth. Dental abscesses are best treated with endodontic approaches like Apicoectomy surgery.

4. Broken or cracked tooth – dental fractures can inflame the nerve endings in your tooth, resulting in severe tooth pain.

Other signs that may indicate that you need endodontic treatment are:

1. Discolored tooth

2. Inflamed tooth

3. Hypersensitivity when you eat hot or cold foods and drinks

4. Numbness, especially if you suppressed the tooth pain for too long without seeking treatment.

When Do You Need Periodontal Dental Care?

The times you need a periodontist will occur when you identify anomalies in your gum health. The most common issue that necessitates periodontal treatment is gum disease. However, a periodontist can also help your smile if you need gum contouring. Some of the indicators that you need medical care by a periodontist are:

1. Persistent bad breath

2. Foul taste in your mouth

3. Reddened and tender gums

4. Receding gums – when the gums pull away from your teeth.

5. Exposed tooth roots

6. Mouth sores that do not heal

7. Open gingival embrasures – when you notice black triangles between your teeth.

8. Weak and wobbly teeth

9. Premature tooth loss

10. Tooth replacement with dental implants

Tips for Identifying the Best Dental Expert for Your Oral Treatment

Finding a qualified dental professional to treat your mouth is crucial to the success of your treatment and satisfactory outcomes. While you may not always know what you need, you should be particular about your wants and preferences. Some factors to help pick the best dental experts are:

1. Understand your oral problem – it is hard to find the right kind of help if you do not know why you need it in the first place. Regular dental exams will help you keep tabs on your dental health so you know when you need treatment.

2. Find a good-quality dental facility – ensure quality equipment and resources within the dental facility that could offer you the kind of dental care you desire.

3. Consider referrals and reviews – you can gather a lot from people’s experiences with a dental expert. While reviews are not all you need, they can help you narrow down the top candidates to get the job done.

4. Review their experience, training, and skills – the stakes are higher when you must undergo invasive dental procedures like a root canal, Apicoectomy, or gum-related surgeries.