When most individuals encounter tooth pain, their first instinct is to schedule an appointment with their dentist, but there are instances when you may need to be treated by an endodontist, simply because the treatment needed supersedes the capacities of the dentist. Indeed, dentists can examine and diagnose the problem, but they will likely refer you to an endodontist.
Indeed, endodontics are rather different from general dentistry, in a variety of ways; here, we’ll be going over some of these nuances, touching on the definitions thereof, the training involved, and the benefits of each practice as a career, respectively – so, if you’re looking for an expert endodontist but, nevertheless, you’re not quite sure what that means and, in short, are unfamiliar with endodontics, this run-down should be of use to you.
Endodontics Is A Specific Branch
Endodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that is predicated on the study and treatment of dental pulp, which is the center of a tooth, is comprised of living connective tissue and cells. The dental pulp is essentially a part of the endodontium (dentin–pulp), hence the term endodontics. It is anendodontist’s duty to salvage teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted; this means performing root canals and treating traumatic dental injuries. Additionally, an endodontist can place dental implants, perform oral surgery, and other treatments that are necessary for the maintenance of one’s overall dental hygiene and health. The biggest difference between an endodontist and a general dentist is the extensive training that an endodontist is required to complete, which is why a very scarce amount of dentists pursue endodontics.
The Training Is More Extensive
For those who are considering a career in dentistry, the first step is earning a bachelor’s degree; from there, prospective dentists will need to attend a four-year professional dental program and earn a DDS or DMD degree, and, subsequently, pass a licensing exam. In itself, dentistry involves a great deal of certification, but in order to become an endodontist, students will be required to undergo additional training, which includes an endodontic residency. Residency programs provide in-depth specialized training for students pursuing a career in endodontics. A typical residency program will be 2 years; students will have to pass an examination and also complete a board certification; they are observed and conducted by certified endodontist that have fulfilled the requisites of the American Association of Endodontist to become certified in their field; students in these programs are required to learn the following:
- How to diagnose and treat gum disease
- Microscope utilization
- How to treat traumatic teeth injuries
- Pediatric Endodontics
They Are Distinct Career Paths
The future holds very specific places for endodontists and dentists, respectively; according to the bureau of labor statistics, the field of endodontics promises to be quite lucrative. The average annual salary for a newly certified endodontist is somewhere between $119,000 and $196,000, and experienced endodontist can earn as much as $275,000. Additionally, job prospects look equally promising; careers in endodontics are projected to grow by fifteen percent through 2018. Although speculative, the reasoning behind this demand for endodontist lies in the perception of fellow dental practitioners; for example, 87% of dentists believe that treatment provided by a certified endodontist is worth the higher cost, and 93% believe endodontic specialization plays a critical role in comprehensive oral care.
Not only are the material benefits and amount of career opportunities different, the training for endodontics will consume more time and, consequently, offer more experience for the aspiring practitioner, prior to their entrance into the working world, which is to say, you can always be sure to expect the best possible treatment when undergoing a root canal or other similar procedures at the hand of an endodontist!