If you need surgery on your mouth, you might be curious about what specialist you’ll need to see. The type of provider you need depends on the surgery you’ll get. There are numerous differences between an endodontist and an oral surgeon, and knowing those differences will help you decide which specialist to see.
When Would You Need to See an Oral Surgeon, Endodontist, or Other Specialist?
Endodontists specialize in preserving teeth through root canals or other surgeries. These procedures help diseased teeth. Endodontist comes from the Greek words “Endo” and “Odont,” meaning “inside the tooth.” Endodontists treat the internal spaces of the tooth.
Oral surgeons can perform surgery anywhere in the mouth or on the face. They must complete at least four more years of education to learn about surgery. Because their area of expertise is more comprehensive, they offer more options for facial surgery. Now that you know what each specialist excels in, here are some of the surgeries each performs:
- Apicoectomy: An endodontist can access inflamed or diseased tissue near the root by making a small incision in the gums. Once the inflamed tissue is exposed, the endodontist removes the infected and diseased part of the root. After removing the tissue, the jaw heals around the site with healthy tissue.
- Extractions: The most common procedure an oral surgeon can perform is removing a person’s wisdom teeth. Oral surgeons can extract any impacted tooth.
- Dental implants: Dental implants are prosthetics fused to the jawbone or skull. They support other prostheses like crowns, bridges, and facial prostheses or act as orthodontic anchors.
Oral surgeons and endodontists are qualified to operate on teeth. Both are vital parts of your dental team. However, endodontists perform smaller operations on the interior of your teeth. Oral surgeons focus on repairs and restorations in your face and mouth. Timing is often a factor that determines whether you need an endodontist or an oral surgeon. If you avoid getting a root canal for too long, letting the infection spread, you’ll need an oral surgeon to take out the tooth and put in an implant. You’ll want to see one when your dentist refers you to an endodontist. Putting off something like a root canal can result in an infection that can cause you to lose teeth. Extractions and implants are more expensive than root canal procedures and surgeries.
If your tooth is cracked or broken, the severity of the injury determines which professional you’ll need to see. If the crack extends beneath the gums, you’ll need an extraction and implant performed by an oral surgeon. If the crack is superficial, an endodontist might be able to use a filling to restore the tooth. Consult a dentist to determine if the tooth can be saved and maintained.
Make an Appointment with an Endodontist or Oral Surgeon
If you need a procedure performed, contact Bluejay Dental to schedule an appointment with our endodontists or oral surgeons. If you need help deciding which professional you need, we can help you decide. The longer you put off a procedure, the worse your injury can get.