Are Endodontists Dentists? Understanding the Specialty and When to See One
Short answer. Yes. Endodontists are dentists with extra learning. They take care of the dental pulp and the tooth nerve inside your tooth. If you feel deep tooth pain or have a bad infection, a specialist can save your tooth and help you feel better.
Why read this? You may be in pain. You may not know what to do. You may ask, “Endodontist or general dentist — which one do I need?” I will help you figure it out in easy words. I will also tell you what to expect, how the training works, and why a team helps keep your smile healthy.
Table of Contents
Why this guide matters
Problem: Tooth pain can scare anyone. The words are big. The choices feel confusing.
Agitate: You may worry about cost, time, and who to trust. You might fear the root canal won’t work, or that you’ll lose your tooth.
Solution: Get to know who does what. See when you need a specialist. Understand the tools, the steps, and how it all works. You will feel better and make a smart plan with your dentist and an endodontist.
Are endodontists dentists?
Yes. Every endodontist is first a dentist (general). We go to dental school and get a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry). Both mean the same kind of training. We pass dental licensure tests. We follow American Dental Association (ADA) rules, dental ethics and professionalism, and keep learning new things with continuing education.
Then the path changes. Endodontists join extra training called dental residency that lasts about 2–3 years. This is the specialty training length for endodontists. We learn about fixing the inside of the tooth (dental pulp therapy), diseases around the tooth (periapical pathology), how to figure out the type of problem (pulpal diagnosis), and make a plan for treatment (endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning). Some endodontists go for dental board certification. You will see the word “Diplomate” if they are a board certified endodontist. That shows they worked extra hard to prove their skill. These are some board certified endodontist benefits.
What does an endodontist do inside the tooth?
Think of your tooth like a house. The hard part outside guards the “wires” and “pipes” inside. That inside space is the dental pulp. It has nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp gets sick from a dental cavity, gum disease, cracked tooth syndrome, or dental trauma, you might need a root canal treatment.
Endodontists are the “inside of the tooth” team. We do root canal treatment to clean, shape, and close the canals. We handle endodontic retreatment if a root canal didn’t work before. We also do some surgeries like an apicoectomy to stop infection at the root tip. We treat traumatic dental injuries after falls or hits. We sometimes use vital pulp therapy and pulp capping to keep the pulp alive. There is also new research like regenerative endodontics and dental pulp stem cell therapy, hoping to help your own body fix and heal the tooth.
Endodontist vs general dentist: What is the difference?
Your general dentist is your main tooth doctor. They do general dental services for your whole mouth. This means cleanings, fillings, crowns, some cosmetic work, and simple tooth extractions. They spot problems and help you stay healthy. They run the dental office.
An endodontist does only care for the inside of teeth. That means a practice limited to endodontics. We deal mostly with pulp and root problems. We use special endodontic tools and do many root canals every year. Lots of practice helps us get better.
You might hear about other tooth specialists. An orthodontist straightens teeth. A periodontist treats gums. A prosthodontist makes fake teeth to fill in gaps. An oral surgeon does big surgeries. A pediatric dentist helps kids. Some dental specialists help diagnose rare problems in the mouth. This team approach means you get just the right help.
Quick comparison
| Role | Training | Main Focus | Typical Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| General dentist | DDS/DMD + test | Most mouth care | Cleanings, fillings, crowns, some root canal, some cosmetic work, simple tooth pulls |
| Endodontist | DDS/DMD + 2–3 years extra | Inside roots and pulp | Root canal, retreatment, surgery on tips, trauma care |
When should you see a root canal specialist?
Problem: Pain that won’t go away. Hot or cold hurts. Pain when you bite. Swelling. A bump (pimple) on your gums.
Agitate: You try to chew on the other side. You wake up at night. You worry this is a big tooth problem.
Solution: See your general dentist first for a check-up and dental X-ray. If it seems hard, ask about a referral to a specialist. Your dentist or another doctor will help decide.
When you might need an endodontist:
- Teeth with tricky roots (calcified canals, sharp bends)
- Infection that won’t go away or root canal that needs to be redone
- Bad injuries or a cracked tooth
- Pain that is hard to find or explain
- Need for emergency dental care for pulp problems
Endodontists use dental X-rays and even 3D pictures (Cone Beam CT/CBCT) to see clearly inside the tooth. The big goal is always to save your real tooth if possible.
What tools and tech do endodontists use?
Endodontists use special gear. We see under a dental microscope every day to make small work bigger and clearer. We use endodontic tools for better, safer treatment. We also use CBCT for 3D pictures if needed. These new tools make treatment better and more comfortable.
We make sure you are numb with local anesthesia and can offer sedation in some cases. Our offices follow strong infection control rules to keep you safe. We help you handle pain after treatment with simple home care steps.
Training path in plain words
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Dental school | 4 years for a DDS or DMD degree |
| Exams | Pass tests and meet ADA and state rules |
| Residency | 2–3 years of extra hands-on learning in endodontics |
| Board certification | Extra step (optional) with tests and real-life cases |
| Continuing learning | Stay up-to-date with the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and classes |
Will a specialist cost more and is it worth it?
You might wonder about the price for endodontic treatment and insurance for root canals. Going to a specialist usually does cost more. The cases are harder. The equipment costs more. The learning is longer. But you often see better results and may save time. Studies show that specialists do better with tough cases, with a higher chance of success.
Problem: You are worried about paying more now.
Agitate: A bad root canal costs even more later. Pulling a tooth means you may need an implant or a bridge. That costs time and money.
Solution: Ask your dentist and insurance about what is covered. Ask about board certified endodontist benefits. Choose what is right for your problem.
Who is on your dental care team?
Good care is teamwork. Your general dentist is first. They check the problem, make a plan, and may send you to a specialist. They put the final crown after your root canal and help you keep your mouth healthy.
The endodontist is a specialist who fixes the inside of the tooth and then sends you back to your dentist for the rest. They share notes and pictures so everyone is on the same page. The dental assistant helps keep things running smoothly and makes you feel comfortable. The dental hygienist does cleanings and gives tips for good habits. Each person has a clear job.
After a root canal, you may need a solid crown. Many dentists work with a good lab. Ask if your dentist works with a trusted crown and bridge lab like iStar Dental Lab for strong, well-made teeth. If you want a crown that looks real, a top ceramics lab can make crowns that match your real teeth. Digital labs can also help get your new crown made faster and fit better.
How long does it take to become an endodontist?
It takes a while. Most endodontists finish 4 years of college, then 4 years of dental school, then 2–3 years of extra training. That’s about 10 or 11 years after high school. The steps to become one are:
Many dental schools offering endodontics programs put info online. Ask about the endodontist job, types of offices they can work in, and what the training is really like. If you talk to current students, you will learn that training is all about learning the inside of teeth and how to use a microscope.
What are your options besides a root canal?
Sometimes a tooth can’t be saved. You might need a tooth pulled. You could then replace it with a dental implant. Or you could get a bridge or a removable denture. Your dentist will help you compare root canal alternatives.
If you need a replacement, check out the lab. A skilled implant dental laboratory can make new parts and crowns for your implant. The type of material matters too—zirconia or e.max work well for strong crowns after root canal. Your dentist might work with a zirconia lab or an emax lab. Veneers are for changing your smile, but they don’t fix infections—you must fix those first.
Problem: You want a nice smile with good chewing.
Agitate: Quick fixes can break. Cheap parts chip or crack.
Solution: Work with your regular dentist and the endodontist. Pick strong materials and a good lab. Make sure your bite and look are right.
FAQs
Q: Are endodontists more expensive for a root canal?
A: Usually yes. Tougher cases cost more. Insurance may help pay. You may need less visits and get better results with the specialist.
Q: Do endodontists do tooth pulls or fillings?
A: We mostly do root canals and inside-the-tooth work. Your regular dentist does fillings and most tooth pulls.
Q: Can a general dentist do a root canal?
A: Yes. Many general dentists do simple root canals. When it’s hard, they may send you to a specialist.
Q: How long does it take to be an endodontist?
A: College, dental school, then 2–3 years more. About 10–11 years after high school.
Q: What’s different about a root canal by a general dentist and by an endodontist?
A: Specialists do more root canals every year, use a microscope, and handle harder cases. This often means a better fix.
Summary of key takeaways
- Endodontists are dentists with more training.
- They fix the inside of teeth, nerves, and roots.
- Go to a specialist for stubborn pain, infection, or trauma.
- Special tools and tech make the process better.
- A team approach works best for your smile.
- Keeping your real tooth is usually better than losing it.
- Get your crown done right with your dentist and a good lab.
- Ask about insurance and price before starting.
- Keep up with brushing, flossing, and check-ups to stay healthy.
- When unsure, ask your dentist about seeing a specialist.
Clinical review and references
Clinical review: Dr. Joe Dental, DDS, MS (Endodontics)
References
- American Dental Association (ADA). Specialty recognition and education standards.
- American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Treatment guidelines and patient resources.
- Journal of Endodontics. Studies on success rates for non‑surgical retreatment and microsurgery.
- ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Imaging standards including CBCT use in endodontics.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infection control in dental settings.
Note: This guide is for education. It does not replace a real check-up or advice from your own dentist or endodontist.
