Endodontist vs. Dentist: Who Should Do Your Root Canal?

Most people have a dentist they trust for cleanings and fillings. So when a tooth starts throbbing, the first call usually goes to that office. Sometimes that is exactly right. Other times, the better move is a specialist who spends every working day on the inside of teeth.

Here is how to tell the difference, and how to decide.

What is the difference between an endodontist and a dentist?

An endodontist is a dentist with extra specialty training in diagnosing tooth pain and treating the inside of the tooth, which is the pulp and the roots. According to the American Association of Endodontists, endodontists complete two or more years of training beyond dental school, and fewer than three percent of dentists are endodontists. A general dentist handles a wide range of care, from exams and cleanings to crowns. An endodontist limits their practice to root canals, retreatment, and related surgery.

When should you see an endodontist instead of your dentist?

A specialist is worth considering when:

• Your tooth pain is severe, lingers, or wakes you up at night
• Your dentist is not sure which tooth is causing the pain
• You had a root canal before and the tooth still hurts or has an infection
• The tooth has a crack, or the roots are curved or hard to reach
• You need a root canal and want it done by someone who does them daily
• You have swelling, or a tooth was knocked or injured

If you are not sure which category you fall in, a quick call usually sorts it out.

Do you need a referral to see an endodontist?

Not at River Valley Endodontics. You can call (651) 439-8085 and schedule directly. If your dentist did send you, we share our findings with them so they can finish the crown or filling afterward.

What does an endodontist do that a general dentist cannot?

General dentists are fully trained to perform many root canals, and plenty do them well. The difference shows up in the harder cases. Endodontists work with microscopes and 3D imaging, and they see unusual root shapes and stubborn infections all the time. At our office, Dr. Reeh uses 3D cone beam scans when a regular X-ray does not give a clear answer. That means you get a straight explanation of what is wrong before we ever pick up an instrument.

Is a root canal with an endodontist more expensive?

It can cost more than the same procedure at a general dentist's office, since the fees reflect specialty training and equipment. That said, getting a hard case right the first time can save you from a retreatment or an extraction later. We are happy to review your situation and explain costs before treatment begins.

What if your dentist already started the root canal?

If a root canal was started or finished and you still have pain, you have options. Retreatment can often save the tooth, and when it cannot, endodontic surgery such as an apicoectomy may. Read more about endodontic retreatment and why root canals fail.

What if it is an emergency?

Call us. We offer same-day emergency treatment for severe tooth pain, swelling and dental injuries, and we try to see people as quickly as we can. Our emergency dentist page has more detail.

Patients from both sides of the river

A good share of our patients come from the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix River, including Hudson, River Falls, New Richmond, Somerset and Prescott. We are at 2600 Wildpines Ln in Stillwater. You do not need a referral, you can call us directly, and we offer same-day emergency treatment if you are in pain. We also stay in touch with your Wisconsin dentist, sending records and a treatment report so they can place your final crown or filling. We see people from Stillwater, Oak Park Heights, Bayport, Lake Elmo and Woodbury on the Minnesota side too.

Is it worth crossing the river to see an endodontist?

For many Hudson-area patients it is a short drive, and they choose us because Dr. Reeh has more than 30 years of experience with complex cases, including retreatment and endodontic surgery.

Can a Wisconsin dentist refer me to you?

Yes, and we work with general dentists on both sides of the river all the time. You can also skip the referral and call us yourself at (651) 439-8085.

Ready to talk to a specialist?

If you are dealing with a painful tooth, or you just want a second opinion before a root canal, give us a call at (651) 439-8085 or request an appointment online. You can also learn more about our Stillwater endodontist services or meet Dr. Reeh.