What is an endodontist?
Short answer: An endodontist is a dentist who has completed two or more additional years of training beyond dental school in diagnosing tooth pain and treating the inside of the tooth, according to the American Association of Endodontists.[1] Endodontics is a dental specialty recognized by the ADA National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards.[2]
What is an endodontist?
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) says all endodontists are dentists, but fewer than three percent of dentists are endodontists, and endodontists complete two or more additional years of training in an advanced program after dental school.[1] The ADA National Commission defines endodontics as the specialty concerned with the dental pulp and the tissues around the root.[2]
How is an endodontist different from a general dentist?
The AAE says endodontists limit their practice to endodontics, do not place fillings or clean teeth, and average about 25 root canal treatments a week compared with about two for general dentists.[1] General dentists can also perform root canals; whether to see an endodontist is a decision to make with your dentist.
When might someone see an endodontist?
The AAE says to see an endodontist for tooth pain or sensitivity, a suspected cracked tooth, dental trauma, or when a dentist recommends a root canal.[1] Hill Endodontics says it limits its practice to endodontic care.[3]
What is a root canal?
The AAE says a root canal is a treatment for a damaged or diseased tooth, that patients are given anesthesia and it is no more painful than a filling, and that numbness commonly lasts 2 to 4 hours.[4] Cleveland Clinic says most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, some need more than one visit, and most people recover in less than a week.[5] These are general descriptions; individual experience varies.
What does board certification add?
The American Board of Endodontics says certification is voluntary, requires a review of education and a three-part examination, and that its purpose is to assure the public that certified endodontists have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skill in the specialty.[6] See Board certification and licensing for Dr. Hill’s listing.
Frequently asked questions
What is an endodontist?
A dentist with two or more additional years of training beyond dental school focused on the inside of the tooth and tooth pain, according to the American Association of Endodontists.
Is an endodontist the same as a root canal dentist?
The AAE uses the phrase “root canal dentists” for endodontists, though general dentists also perform some root canals.
How long does a root canal take?
Cleveland Clinic says most take about 60 to 90 minutes and some require more than one visit; individual cases vary.
Does a root canal hurt?
The AAE says patients are given anesthesia and a root canal is no more painful than a filling, with some soreness possible afterward. Talk to your dentist about your own case.
See also
References
- ^ a b c d What’s the difference between a dentist and an endodontist?. American Association of Endodontists. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
- ^ a b Recognized Dental Specialties. ADA National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
- ^ Endodontist in Noblesville, IN | Root Canal Specialist (home page). Hill Endodontics, P.C.. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
- ^ What is a Root Canal?. American Association of Endodontists. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
- ^ Root Canal: Procedure & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 28 October 2026.
- ^ About the ABE (American Board of Endodontics). American Association of Endodontists. Retrieved 28 October 2026.