What is the difference between a Orthodontics, Endodontics and Periodontics dentist?

My regular dentist refer me to a Endodontics specialist to remove a crown but I thought that he will be able to remove it. Is it a difernet specialty in dentistry or what?

What is the difference between a Orthodontics, Endodontics and Periodontics dentist?
In California, a general dentist is licensed to do *all* specialty aspects of dentistry. (with the exception of sedation and general anesthesia) We can legally do braces, root canals, gum surgeries, wisdom tooth extractions, implants, or any other task that specialists do. However, not all general dentists have the training, equipment, experience, or comfort level to do these advanced procedures. What's more, the Dental Practice Act requires a general dentist to perform procedures at the same level as specialists. If a general dentist can't do a specialty procedure as well as a specialist, he/she has an ethical and moral obligation to refer.





Your dentist referred to a specialist because he is not comfortable treating your tooth. He doesn't want to take the risk of messing up and getting sued when he knows a specialist can do it faster, safer and better than him. It might cost you a little more, but you will probably get better treatment in the end.





FYI, here are the *legally recognized* dental specialties in California (and most states):





PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY - (aka pedodontics, latin for "children's teeth") specializing in children. Behavior management (bratty or fearful kids) and sedation are emphasized.





ENDODONTICS - (from latin for "inside teeth") specializing in the root canal therapy and the surgical treatments when root canals fail. Emphasis on using microscopes and high tech treatment tools. The only specialty that still requires general dentistry experience before going to specialty school.





PERIODONTICS - (from latin "surrounding teeth") specializing in gum related treatments. Emphasis on gum surgeries and hygiene. Increasing emphasis on dental implants.





PROSTHODONTICS - (from latin "adding to teeth") specializing in false teeth through bridges, crowns, dentures, and increasingly, implants. Most commonly, prosthodontists do full mouth reconstructions. Occasionally, they create prosthetics for noses, lips or chins lost in accidents.





ORAL SURGERY - (aka oral maxillofacial surgery) specializing in surgeries and the sedation or anesthesia needed for them. Most frequently, they extract lots of wisdom teeth and premolars for braces. More and more emphasis on dental implants.





ORTHODONTICS - (from latin "straight teeth") specializing in braces, clear aligner therapy (Invisalign) and appliance therapy (headgear and active retainers). Emphasis is on straightening teeth.





ORAL PATHOLOGY - specializing in identifying diseases of the mouth such as oral cancer or autoimmune disorders. Spend most of their time looking at slides sent in from the oral surgeons. Do not work directly with patients.





PUBLIC HEALTH - specializing in epidemiology and government programs to help the population's dental health, particularly the poor.





Here are commonly used but legally *unrecognized* dental specialties:


1. Implantology - I don't see this one becoming a legally recognized specialty because too many other specialties want in on implants.


2. Family Dentistry


3. Cosmetic Dentistry - most of it technically falls under prosthodontics


4. Anesthesiology - mainly because the rich oral surgeons keep blocking their recognition.


5. TMD - not a legal specialty, but there are some very good doctors out there who have put a great deal of time and study on TMD. There are also a lot of quacks here, too.


6. Sports Dentistry


7. Holistic dentistry - very popular in Hawaii. In California, many holistic dentistry fundamentals (removal of all silver fillings to cure non-dental diseases) are considered malpractice.


8. Forensic dentistry - like anesthesiology, this is IMO a valid specialty with many great practitioners, it just hasn't been legally recognized yet.





Dentists in legally recognized specialties get a certificate from their state, permission to advertise themselves as a specialist, and justification to charge higher fees than general dentists. Because specialists usually give up the right to practice general dentistry, they get referrals from general dentists.





I hope that this completely answers your question. If not, visit my website and contact me through there.
Reply:He probably refered you to a endodontist because you may need a root canal. The Endodonist works on the inside of teeth, dealing with the pulp, a Periodontist works on the soft tisues in your mouth, usually the gums (ever heard of a gum graft?) and an Orthodontist will help your teeth line up correctly for chewing and for looks as well (braces, etc.)
Reply:Orthodontics treat improper bite disorders (ortho means bones so any jaw disorders, etc), Endodontics deals with with tooth pulp and tissues surronding the root of the teeth (endo means internal, so inside the tooth, nerves, etc) and peridontics deal with diseases of the gums. (peri means around, so the gums, gingivitis, etc.
Reply:I'm a dentist.





Anyone with a D.D.S. or D.M.D. after their name is a "dentist". Within dentistry there are 9 specialties. General practitioners (aka general dentists) are the only non-specialists, and make up the majority of practicing dentists.





Orthodontists (doctors of a specialty known as "orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics") spend 2 to 3 years in a residency after dental school. They place appliances in the mouth to modify facial growth, straighten teeth, change bites, etc.





Endodontists (doctors specializing in endodontics) spend 2 to 3 years after dental school in a residency. They learn to perform what boils down to two different procedures: root canals and apicoectomies. Everything else they do is related to these two procedures. In my opinion, it is an abomination that this specialty exists. Basically, it exists because many general dentists are too goddamned lazy to bother learning how to do everything that endodontists do.





Periodists (doctors specializing in periodontics) spend three years after dental school in a residency. They learn to treat diseases of the periodontal tissues (gums and bone). They perform tissue grafts, bone grafts, and place implants (although many general dentists, myself included, do these too). This specialty should not exist either, but it does.





For your general dentist to refer you to an endodontist to remove a crown is ridiculous. Find another doctor.
Reply:Orthodontics is for braces ,Periodontics is for gums,Endodontics is for root canals.
Reply:http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v193/n...

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