Difference Between Periodontists and Endodontists

Periodontists and endodontists are professionals in the field of dentistry. However, they differ from one another in what they do in that field.

Periodontist Definition

• A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in diseases of the structures surrounding the teeth, particularly the gums, which are caused by bacterial plaque. Periodontists must graduate from a four-year dental school program, then complete three to seven years in a residency program as they learn how to perform advanced techniques such as regenerative surgery and dental implant placement.

Endodontist Definition

• An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in diseases of the tooth pulp and its surrounding tissue. Endodontists are required to save teeth through root canal treatment, and they must complete four years of dental school plus two or more years in a residency program.

Periodontist Versus Endodontist

• Periodontists deals with issues around the teeth. Endodontists, on the other hand, deal with issues inside the teeth.

Governing Bodies

• In the United States, the American Academy of Periodontology is the governing body of periodontists, while the American Board of Endodontics is the governing body of endodontists.

National Recognition

• In the United States, both periodontics and endodontics are recognized as dental specialties by the American Dental Association.