Dentistry is divided into multiple specialties, designed to provide focused expertise for every aspect of oral health. Patients often seek clarity on which practitioner handles specific procedures, recognizing that a general dentist is not the only provider available. Understanding these distinct roles is the first step in navigating comprehensive dental care.
Defining the Orthodontist’s Focus
The scope of an orthodontist’s practice centers on the mechanics of the bite and the alignment of teeth and jaws. These specialists undergo two to three years of advanced training following dental school, concentrating on diagnosing and treating dental and facial irregularities known as malocclusions. Their work focuses on optimizing the relationship between the upper and lower dental arches to improve function and aesthetics.
Orthodontists employ appliances like fixed braces, removable clear aligners, and retainers to apply controlled forces that gradually move teeth into proper positions. This process corrects issues such as overcrowding, spacing, and improper bites. The treatment involves the biomechanical remodeling of the bone and ligaments that support the teeth.
The Purpose of a Root Canal
A root canal, formally termed endodontic treatment, is a procedure aimed at saving a tooth with infection or inflammation within its internal structure. Inside every tooth is the dental pulp, soft tissue consisting of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue located in the pulp chamber and root canals. The pulp can become compromised due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack, or trauma.
The goal of the root canal is to eliminate this internal disease and prevent further microbial invasion. The procedure involves gaining access to the pulp chamber, removing the infected or damaged pulp tissue, and then cleaning and shaping the canals. Once decontaminated, the canals are filled with an inert material, typically gutta-percha, and sealed to protect the tooth from future infection.
The Specialist Who Performs Endodontic Treatment
Root canal treatment is the domain of endodontists and, in routine cases, general dentists. Endodontists complete an additional two to three years of focused residency training after dental school, specializing in diagnosing and treating tooth pain and conditions affecting the dental pulp. Their practice is limited to these internal procedures, meaning they perform root canals more frequently than general dentists.
General dentists often perform less complex root canal treatments. However, they refer patients with complicated anatomy, calcified canals, or failed previous treatments to an endodontist. These specialists utilize advanced technology, such as dental operating microscopes and 3D imaging, to navigate the intricate root canal system with precision. The orthodontist’s training does not encompass this surgical treatment of internal tooth disease.
Collaboration Between Dental Specialties
Orthodontists and endodontists frequently coordinate care for patients despite their separate scopes of practice. A tooth requiring alignment may first need endodontic treatment to resolve an existing infection. This ensures the tooth is healthy enough to withstand movement, as orthodontic forces applied to a compromised tooth can exacerbate internal issues. Pre-treatment evaluation is essential.
If a patient undergoing tooth movement develops symptoms suggesting a need for endodontic consultation, such as unexpected trauma or pulp inflammation, the orthodontist temporarily halts movement. The patient is then referred to the endodontist for diagnosis and treatment. This coordinated approach stabilizes the structural health of the tooth before the alignment process continues.