General Dentist vs. Endodontist: Who Does What?
Both professionals attend dental school and earn a DDS or DMD degree. The difference comes down to additional, specialized training after that foundation.General Dentists
Your general dentist is your primary oral health provider. They handle cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and many everyday restorative procedures. Most general dentists are trained to perform straightforward root canals—particularly on front teeth, which usually have one or two canals and are easier to access.Endodontists
An endodontist is a dentist who has completed two to three additional years of training after dental school, exclusively focused on diagnosing tooth pain and treating the soft tissue (pulp) inside teeth. Because they often perform multiple root canals every single day, endodontists develop deep expertise with complex anatomy, retreatments, and microsurgical procedures. In short: every endodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an endodontist.What Does an Endodontist Actually Do?
Endodontists save natural teeth that would otherwise need to be removed. Their work typically includes:- Primary root canal therapy on teeth with infected, inflamed, or damaged pulp
- Root canal retreatment when a previous procedure has failed or new infection has developed
- Apicoectomy (endodontic microsurgery) to remove infection at the tip of the root
- Traumatic tooth injuries, including knocked-out, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Treatment of teeth with curved, narrow, or unusually shaped canals
When Should You See a Root Canal Specialist?
Your general dentist will often make this call for you. They may refer you to an endodontist if any of the following apply:- The tooth is a molar with multiple, complicated canals
- You have had a previous root canal on the same tooth that is now causing problems
- X-rays reveal calcified canals, curved roots, or other anatomical challenges
- You have a cracked tooth or have suffered a dental trauma
- You experience severe anxiety and need sedation or microscope-assisted care
- The diagnosis is unclear and the source of pain is hard to pinpoint
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
Modern root canal therapy is far gentler than its dated reputation suggests. With current anesthesia and instruments, most patients describe the experience as no worse than getting a filling. Here’s a general walkthrough:- Diagnosis and imaging — the dentist confirms the source of the problem using digital X-rays or 3D scans.
- Local anesthesia — the area is fully numbed before treatment begins.
- Pulp removal — the infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth is carefully cleaned out.
- Shaping and disinfection — the canals are shaped and rinsed to eliminate bacteria.
- Sealing — the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
- Restoration — in most cases, a permanent crown is placed afterward to protect the tooth.
How to Choose the Right Dentist for Your Root Canal
Whether you end up seeing a general dentist or an endodontist, consider these points before scheduling:- Confirm the provider’s training in endodontic procedures and how often they perform them.
- Ask about the technology used—microscopes, digital imaging, and rotary instruments improve precision.
- Look for transparent pricing and clear conversations about insurance, financing, and follow-up.
- Read patient reviews to gauge comfort, communication, and chairside manner.
- Choose a practice that also offers restorative work, since most root canals need a crown afterward.